The International Economics Program

The International Economics program aims to explain developments in the international economy, and influence policy. It does so by undertaking independent analytical research.

The International Economics program contributes to the Lowy Institute’s core publications: policy briefs and policy analyses. For example, the program contributed the Lowy Institute Paper, John Edwards’ Beyond the Boom, which argued that Australia’s transition away from the commodities boom will be quite smooth.

Experts

Latest publications

News and media

Podcasts

COP26 and beyond: fault lines in global climate policy

In this episode, Lowy Institute lead economist Roland Rajah is joined by Dr Vijaya Ramachandran and Dr Sam Geall to discuss the outcomes from the COP26 Glasgow Climate Change…

Assessing Australia’s role in global vaccine equity

As global health leaders have repeated ad nauseum during the pandemic, no-one is safe until everyone is safe. Helping vaccinate the world is therefore a matter of national self…

The scope to negotiate with China on the CPTPP

China’s recent request to begin talks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was a surprise. With geopolitical tensions at a high, China is…

Commentary

There is no wages case for a permanent cut to immigration

RBA governor Philip Lowe makes a reasonable point about the short-term suppression of wages in some industries. But long-run evidence shows migration lifts demand for workers…

Aiding the Pacific during Covid: An update

More than a year into the Covid-19 pandemic, how much outside financial support is the Pacific receiving and how far does this go in helping the region weather the crisis? This…

Commentary

Will Indonesia’s Omnibus reforms bolster recovery from COVID-19?

Originally published in East Asia Forum.

Podcasts

Lowy Institute Conversations: Ross Garnaut on Restoring Australia after the Pandemic Recession

In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Roland Rajah, Lowy Institute Lead Economist, sits down with Dr Ross Garnaut to discuss the ideas in his new book, Reset: Restoring…

Malaysia’s political turmoil has an economic cost

Political dysfunction is rarely a good thing. It is especially unhelpful during a pandemic and recession. Unfortunately, all three are currently playing out in Malaysia. …

Commentary

Why our economy can afford to stand up to China with Belt and Road veto

Originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Commentary

Australia's economic centre has shifted from Sydney to Canberra

Originally published in The Canberra Times.