🌐 The global balance is shifting. For decades, economists claimed trade would keep the peace—but what happens when the world’s two biggest superpowers weaponise trade against each other? 🇺🇸 vs 🇨🇳 Who really holds the power? Has globalisation created an economic ticking time bomb—where neither side can strike without risking total financial meltdown? And what about countries caught in the crossfire—like Australia?

Can smaller nations break free, or are they doomed to become pawns in the ultimate power struggle between Washington and Beijing?

These are the questions that will define our future.

They will decide who thrives, who survives, and who gets left behind.

Get ready for an epic discussion with Dr Jenny Gordon—economist, global strategist, and former Chief Economist at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In Part 1 of this explosive two-part series, we dive into the economic question of the century:
Can the world stay connected—or are we headed for a new era of economic warfare? Hit play and join the debate now! 🔥

About Dr Jenny Gordon

Dr Jenny Gordon is an economist specialising in international trade, economic development, public policy and the intersection between economics and strategic affairs. She is an Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute, and formerly served as Chief Economist at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Over a distinguished career spanning academia, government and public policy, Dr Gordon has worked extensively on trade liberalisation, economic reform, productivity, migration, climate policy, regional economic integration and Australia’s engagement with Asia. Before DFAT, she held senior positions at the Australian Productivity Commission, where she contributed to some of Australia’s most influential economic policy research.

Her work focuses on helping governments navigate complex economic challenges in an era increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition, technological disruption and shifting patterns of globalisation.

Selected Publications and Major Works

Books and Edited Volumes

Contemporary China: A New Superpower? (co-editor, with Ligang Song)
Rising China: Global Challenges and Opportunities (contributor)
China’s Domestic Transformation in a Global Context (contributor)

⸻

Major Reports and Research

Australian Foreign Policy and Trade

Australia’s Engagement with the World: The Role of Trade and Economic Diplomacy
Australia and the Changing Global Trading System
The Future of Globalisation: Implications for Australia
Trade, Technology and Strategic Competition

🌐 The global balance is shifting. For decades, economists claimed trade would keep the peace&mdash;but what happens when the world&rsquo;s two biggest superpowers weaponise trade against each other? 🇺🇸 vs 🇨🇳 Who really holds the power? Has globalisation created an economic ticking time bomb&mdash;where neither side can strike without risking total financial meltdown? And what about countries caught in the crossfire&mdash;like Australia?
Can smaller nations break free, or are they doomed to become pawns in the ultimate power struggle between Washington and Beijing?
These are the questions that will define our future.
They will decide who thrives, who survives, and who gets left behind.
Get ready for an epic discussion with Dr Jenny Gordon&mdash;economist, global strategist, and former Chief Economist at Australia&rsquo;s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In Part 1 of this explosive two-part series, we dive into the economic question of the century: Can the world stay connected&mdash;or are we headed for a new era of economic warfare? Hit play and join the debate now! 🔥
About Dr Jenny Gordon
Dr Jenny Gordon is an economist specialising in international trade, economic development, public policy and the intersection between economics and strategic affairs. She is an Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute, and formerly served as Chief Economist at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Over a distinguished career spanning academia, government and public policy, Dr Gordon has worked extensively on trade liberalisation, economic reform, productivity, migration, climate policy, regional economic integration and Australia&rsquo;s engagement with Asia. Before DFAT, she held senior positions at the Australian Productivity Commission, where she contributed to some of Australia&rsquo;s most influential economic policy research.
Her work focuses on helping governments navigate complex economic challenges in an era increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition, technological disruption and shifting patterns of globalisation.
Selected Publications and Major Works
Books and Edited Volumes
Contemporary China: A New Superpower? (co-editor, with Ligang Song) Rising China: Global Challenges and Opportunities (contributor) China&rsquo;s Domestic Transformation in a Global Context (contributor)
⸻
Major Reports and Research
Australian Foreign Policy and Trade
Australia&rsquo;s Engagement with the World: The Role of Trade and Economic Diplomacy Australia and the Changing Global Trading System The Future of Globalisation: Implications for Australia Trade, Technology and Strategic Competition

The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank.

Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.

Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus&nbsp;is the flagship current affairs podcast of&nbsp;SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical &nbsp;think tank.
Hosted by&nbsp;Dr. John Bruni&mdash;a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media&mdash;The Focus&nbsp;brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the&nbsp;Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for&nbsp;Jane&rsquo;s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.
Produced by&nbsp;Neil Smart,&nbsp;The Focus&nbsp;cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.