Lowy Institute Events

Under new leadership, Indonesia continues to face a persistent and complex challenge: governance. As the country strives to maintain political stability and meet ambitious economic targets, governance reform has become central to meeting both domestic development goals and international commitments. Will political and economic developments in Indonesia enable it to escape the middle-income trap? How can Indonesia balance its climate change pledges with its industrial agenda, and what role does the carbon market play? Can the pursuit of OECD and CPTPP membership act as leverage to drive necessary governance reforms?

This panel discussion features Professor Shiro Armstrong (Australian National University), Dr Ida Aju Pradnja Resosudarmo (Australian National University), Dr Liam Gammon (Australian National University) and Dr Axel Michaelowa (University of Zurich). The discussion was moderated by Lowy Institute Research Fellow Dr Hilman Palaon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two prominent Australian commentators from opposite sides of the defence debate meet to discuss Australia’s security, America’s role in Asia, the AUKUS partnership and more. Jennifer Parker from the National Security College, ANU, makes the case for an Australian defence policy with a maritime focus. The Lowy Institute’s Sam Roggeveen argues for a continental strategy that is less centred on the US alliance.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025 Malaysia hosts the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), putting it at the centre of regional geopolitics. Its prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has an ambitious agenda to steer the group through the challenges posed by rising geopolitical tension. How will Malaysia navigate a trade war and competition between the United States and China? And how will its identity as a diverse Muslim majority country and advocate for the global south shape its positions at a time of multiple crises and conflicts? Associate Professor Ngeow Chow-Bing (University of Malaya), Associate Professor Syaza Shukri (International Islamic University of Malaysia), Associate Professor Ross Tapsell (Australian National University), discuss these issue with Lowy Institute Southeast Asia Program director Susannah Patton.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the highlights of a special invitation-only event to hear from The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs as he chats with Dr Michael Fullilove AM.

The Foreign Secretary delivers an address on the evolving Australia-UK strategic relationship and global challenges followed by a Q&A.

Watch the full length video here: https://youtube.com/live/SLKFANYC7YA?feature=share

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the highlights of this discussion recorded in Sydney on how Australians are grappling with seismic shifts in the global order. Drawing on the perspectives of Shadow Assistant Minister and former ambassador Dave Sharma, ABC senior journalist Isabella Higgins, Southeast Asia expert Susannah Patton, and Lowy Institute Poll author Ryan Neelam, this event explores how Australians view the country’s relations with the United States and China, their perceptions of threats, their thoughts on the conflict in Ukraine, and their views on influence in the Pacific, foreign aid, democracy and more.

Watch the full event here: https://youtube.com/live/ni1O-plt3f4

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to this timely discussion about how Australians see the world and their place in it. Drawing on the experience of Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh, SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson, ABC Foreign Affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic, and Lowy Institute Poll author Ryan Neelam, this event, recorded on Tuesday 24 June 2025, explored Australians’ views on the fracturing of the rules-based international order, attitudes towards the superpowers, Donald Trump’s policies, defence and security, the economy, climate change and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In August 2020, Cheng Lei, a Chinese-Australian journalist, had her life turned upside down.  

An anchor in Beijing for a business television program, Cheng Lei was arrested by officers of China’s Ministry of State Security on charges of espionage.

Detained, isolated and interrogated, she was cut off from her family and friends for more than three years, until her release in late 2023. Cheng Lei is now telling her story in her new book, A Memoir of Freedom.

On Tuesday 17 June 2025, the Lowy Institute launched Ms Cheng's book story. She was interviewed on stage by the Lowy Institute’s Richard McGregor, followed by a Q&A with the audience.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr John Hamre, president and CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and former US Deputy Secretary of Defence, joins Dr Michael Fullilove AM, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute, to discuss President Trump’s record, his likely approach to the Western alliance, and Australia’s strategic outlook.

Their conversation touches on news that the Trump administration will conduct a review of the AUKUS partnership, and previews the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with leaders of major Western powers — and where President Trump is expected to take centre stage.

This event was recorded at the Institute's headquarters at 31 Bligh Street in Sydney on Thursday 12 June 2025.

You can watch the event at the Lowy Institute website.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Hauser, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, delivered an address before the Lowy Institute on Thursday 22 May to discuss the Australia–China economic relationship in a time of great uncertainty.

Following his address, Mr Hauser was joined by Lowy Institute China expert Richard McGregor and Nonresident Fellow Dr Jenny Gordon for a panel discussion moderated by Roland Rajah, the Institute's lead economist.

The panel discussed the future of Australia–China economic ties amid shifting global dynamics, rising tariffs, and mounting regional tensions, and considered where the relationship may be headed in the medium and long term.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has seen profound shifts in policy since the re-election of President Donald Trump. It’s clear that the themes of Trump 1.0 — his narrow definition of the US national interest, his scepticism of alliances, and his hostility to free trade — are also animating Trump 2.0.

In a special event in the week that we mark the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term, hear insights from Susan Glasser, the Washington correspondent for The New Yorker and Lowy Institute Board member.

The conversation is hosted by Dr Michael Fullilove AM, the Executive Director of the Lowy Institute. Susan and Michael analyse the first 100 days of Trump 2.0 and the implications for Australia and the world.

Susan Glasser joins the conversation online from Washington and Michael Fullilove hosts an in-person audience at 31 Bligh Street. The discussion is followed by an audience Q&A.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.