Robert Walker

Research Associate, Indo-Pacific Development Centre
Areas of expertise

International economics and political economy, geoeconomics, growth and development, macroeconomics

Robert Walker
Biography
Publications

Robert Walker is a Research Associate at the Lowy Institute and works as an economist in the Institute’s Indo-Pacific Development Centre. His work focuses on emerging Asian economies as well as growth and development in the Indo-Pacific region. Robert’s interests include macroeconomic policy, aid and development, geoeconomics and Indo-Pacific and European international political economy.

Prior to joining the Lowy Institute, Robert worked in the Australian Department of the Treasury in international macroeconomic forecasting and at the Australian National University’s Australian Centre on China in the World. He holds a Master’s degree in International and Development Economics from the Australian National University with a specialisation in macroeconomic policy, and a Bachelor of International and Global Studies from the University of Sydney.

The world energy outlook: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Commentary
The world energy outlook: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Originally published in Samoa Observer, 6 November 2023.
The world energy outlook: The good, the bad, and the ugly
The world energy outlook: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Where does the global transition to net zero currently stand, where can it improve and where can it go wrong?
China’s car exports pose a key question to policymakers: Compete or protect?
China’s car exports pose a key question to policymakers: Compete or protect?
How they respond will have implications for consumers and the climate.
China does not need currency manipulation to boost its exports
China does not need currency manipulation to boost its exports
A weak economy will itself increase China’s export competitiveness.
China’s troubles may well get worse before they get better
China’s troubles may well get worse before they get better
There is no straightforward path to escape weak demand and the financial risks from the ongoing real estate bust.
Scrapping IMF surcharges is key to cutting debt burden on distressed nations
Commentary
Scrapping IMF surcharges is key to cutting debt burden on distressed nations
Originally published in MDB Reform Accelerator
Scrapping IMF surcharges is key to cutting debt burden on distressed nations
Scrapping IMF surcharges is key to cutting debt burden on distressed nations
The economic logic of charging beyond lending rates doesn’t add up and also undermines the Fund’s legitimacy.
China’s growth prospects after zero-Covid
China’s growth prospects after zero-Covid
A strong initial rebound perhaps but held back by major downward pressures.
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