The Lowy Institute
@lowyinstitute.bsky.social
The Lowy Institute is a leading international think tank that looks at the world from Australia’s perspective.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/
“The images emanating from Kim’s North Korea now stand in contrast to the North Korea I visited during the hopeful five or six years after 2000,” writes Jane Hardy in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/two-koreas-could-north-south-summit-be-works
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/two-koreas-could-north-south-summit-be-works
The two Koreas: Could a North-South summit be in the works?
Kim’s renewed military confidence and Lee’s pragmatic diplomacy create the ideal conditions for a meeting.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 28, 2025 at 12:26 AM
“The images emanating from Kim’s North Korea now stand in contrast to the North Korea I visited during the hopeful five or six years after 2000,” writes Jane Hardy in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/two-koreas-could-north-south-summit-be-works
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/two-koreas-could-north-south-summit-be-works
“The protection of white women from threats to their safety and purity has long been a rallying cry for men on the extremist fringe,” writes Cynthia Miller-Idriss in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/anatomy-hate-how-misogyny-drives-extremist-engagement
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/anatomy-hate-how-misogyny-drives-extremist-engagement
The anatomy of hate: How misogyny drives extremist engagement
Young men are being exposed to online hatred early and often. Intervention is key to countering the breeding grounds.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 27, 2025 at 11:06 PM
“The protection of white women from threats to their safety and purity has long been a rallying cry for men on the extremist fringe,” writes Cynthia Miller-Idriss in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/anatomy-hate-how-misogyny-drives-extremist-engagement
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/anatomy-hate-how-misogyny-drives-extremist-engagement
“A rare moment of concentrated global diplomatic attention on the Pacific could secure significant contributions,” writes Georgia Hammersley in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/can-pacific-still-shape-cop31-after-australia-s-compromise
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/can-pacific-still-shape-cop31-after-australia-s-compromise
Can the Pacific still shape COP31 after Australia’s compromise?
Even without a co-hosting arrangement, Canberra can still push outcomes that matter for the region.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 27, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“A rare moment of concentrated global diplomatic attention on the Pacific could secure significant contributions,” writes Georgia Hammersley in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/can-pacific-still-shape-cop31-after-australia-s-compromise
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/can-pacific-still-shape-cop31-after-australia-s-compromise
“When communities believe decisions are predetermined or opaque, they do not quietly accept them. They mobilise. They litigate,” writes Katherine Teh in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/critical-minerals-why-fast-tracking-undermines-democratic-legitimacy
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/critical-minerals-why-fast-tracking-undermines-democratic-legitimacy
Critical minerals: Why fast-tracking undermines democratic legitimacy
With mineral projects taking years to move from exploration to production, Australia must hasten carefully.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 27, 2025 at 2:37 AM
“When communities believe decisions are predetermined or opaque, they do not quietly accept them. They mobilise. They litigate,” writes Katherine Teh in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/critical-minerals-why-fast-tracking-undermines-democratic-legitimacy
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/critical-minerals-why-fast-tracking-undermines-democratic-legitimacy
“Xi Jinping may well present the Trump administration with a 28-point plan for Taiwan, either in secret or publicly,” writes Mick Ryan in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/kabul-kyiv-trump-s-pattern-clear-negotiate-enemies-sideline-allies
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/kabul-kyiv-trump-s-pattern-clear-negotiate-enemies-sideline-allies
From Kabul to Kyiv, Trump’s pattern is clear – negotiate with enemies, sideline allies
Australia and other partners must plainly see that America’s commitment to defending democracies is fading fast.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 27, 2025 at 12:27 AM
“Xi Jinping may well present the Trump administration with a 28-point plan for Taiwan, either in secret or publicly,” writes Mick Ryan in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/kabul-kyiv-trump-s-pattern-clear-negotiate-enemies-sideline-allies
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/kabul-kyiv-trump-s-pattern-clear-negotiate-enemies-sideline-allies
“Kremlin-controlled outlets were the foundation of a global media and proxy propaganda,” writes Ancuța (Anna) Hansen in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/how-russia-tried-manipulate-moldova-s-election-what-it-reveals
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/how-russia-tried-manipulate-moldova-s-election-what-it-reveals
How Russia tried to manipulate Moldova's election – and what it reveals
Small states aren’t destined to remain passive targets when faced with sophisticated influence operations.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 26, 2025 at 11:06 PM
“Kremlin-controlled outlets were the foundation of a global media and proxy propaganda,” writes Ancuța (Anna) Hansen in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/how-russia-tried-manipulate-moldova-s-election-what-it-reveals
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/how-russia-tried-manipulate-moldova-s-election-what-it-reveals
“Japan faces a paradox: while its demographic and economic challenges require immigrants, social pressures compel the…” Read Peter Chai in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/don-t-believe-everything-you-read-media-about-japan-s-strong-anti-immigrant
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/don-t-believe-everything-you-read-media-about-japan-s-strong-anti-immigrant
Don’t believe everything you read in the media about Japan’s strong anti-immigrant sentiment
Social pressure pushes people to sound tougher on immigrants than they feel.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 26, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“Japan faces a paradox: while its demographic and economic challenges require immigrants, social pressures compel the…” Read Peter Chai in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/don-t-believe-everything-you-read-media-about-japan-s-strong-anti-immigrant
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/don-t-believe-everything-you-read-media-about-japan-s-strong-anti-immigrant
“Arbitrary arrests, torture, and verbal abuse laced with ethnic and sectarian slurs turn the…” Read William Maley and Niamatullah Ibrahimi in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-deep-concern-multilayered-persecution-afghanistan-s-hazaras
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-deep-concern-multilayered-persecution-afghanistan-s-hazaras
Australia’s “deep concern” at multilayered persecution of Afghanistan’s Hazaras
A parliamentary motion highlights systematic violence against a community facing ethnic, religious and gender-based repression.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:37 AM
“Arbitrary arrests, torture, and verbal abuse laced with ethnic and sectarian slurs turn the…” Read William Maley and Niamatullah Ibrahimi in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-deep-concern-multilayered-persecution-afghanistan-s-hazaras
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-deep-concern-multilayered-persecution-afghanistan-s-hazaras
“The Quad is offering a simple idea: a three-month ceasefire to get humanitarian aid to civilians, followed by nine months of political negotiations,” writes Matteo Boccia in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/sudan-s-civil-war-spills-well-beyond-battlefield
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/sudan-s-civil-war-spills-well-beyond-battlefield
Sudan’s civil war spills well beyond the battlefield
Washington’s sanctions and Tehran’s expanding reach are exposing deeper power struggles and ideological networks.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:28 AM
“The Quad is offering a simple idea: a three-month ceasefire to get humanitarian aid to civilians, followed by nine months of political negotiations,” writes Matteo Boccia in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/sudan-s-civil-war-spills-well-beyond-battlefield
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/sudan-s-civil-war-spills-well-beyond-battlefield
“Australia must choose the kind of climate leadership it wants to project,” writes Alexandre Dayant in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/redirecting-cop31-funds-could-deliver-australia-s-most-important-climate
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/redirecting-cop31-funds-could-deliver-australia-s-most-important-climate
Redirecting COP31 funds could deliver Australia’s most important climate contribution yet
The $1 billion saved from not hosting could deliver more impact through Pacific infrastructure than any summit.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 25, 2025 at 11:06 PM
“Australia must choose the kind of climate leadership it wants to project,” writes Alexandre Dayant in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/redirecting-cop31-funds-could-deliver-australia-s-most-important-climate
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/redirecting-cop31-funds-could-deliver-australia-s-most-important-climate
“ Services taken for granted elsewhere, such as bank branches, ATMs, foreign-exchange dealers and even the ability to open an account…” Read Monique Taylor in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/stablecoins-universal-basic-income-pacific-islands-model
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/stablecoins-universal-basic-income-pacific-islands-model
Stablecoins for a universal basic income: The Pacific Islands model
Digital payment systems are emerging as a substitute for inadequate regional banking infrastructure.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“ Services taken for granted elsewhere, such as bank branches, ATMs, foreign-exchange dealers and even the ability to open an account…” Read Monique Taylor in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/stablecoins-universal-basic-income-pacific-islands-model
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/stablecoins-universal-basic-income-pacific-islands-model
“Tangled diplomatic ‘process’ and endless communiqué-finessing can obstruct peace more than advance the cause,” writes Daniel Flitton in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/america-age-envoy
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/america-age-envoy
America in the age of the envoy
A new emphasis in diplomacy isn’t all downside.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:34 AM
“Tangled diplomatic ‘process’ and endless communiqué-finessing can obstruct peace more than advance the cause,” writes Daniel Flitton in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/america-age-envoy
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/america-age-envoy
“Routes and nodes that were once quiet cost centres are now vulnerability hotspots,” writes Apoorba Banerjee in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/southeast-asian-manufacturing-no-longer-immune-geopolitics
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/southeast-asian-manufacturing-no-longer-immune-geopolitics
Southeast Asian manufacturing: No longer immune from geopolitics
The region’s industrial sector must adapt in a new climate of supply-chain weaponisation.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:26 AM
“Routes and nodes that were once quiet cost centres are now vulnerability hotspots,” writes Apoorba Banerjee in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/southeast-asian-manufacturing-no-longer-immune-geopolitics
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/southeast-asian-manufacturing-no-longer-immune-geopolitics
“Routes and nodes that were once quiet cost centres are now vulnerability hotspots,” writes Apoorba Banerjee in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/southeast-asian-manufacturing-no-longer-immune-geopolitics
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/southeast-asian-manufacturing-no-longer-immune-geopolitics
Southeast Asian manufacturing: No longer immune from geopolitics
The region’s industrial sector must adapt in a new climate of supply-chain weaponisation.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:06 PM
“Routes and nodes that were once quiet cost centres are now vulnerability hotspots,” writes Apoorba Banerjee in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/southeast-asian-manufacturing-no-longer-immune-geopolitics
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/southeast-asian-manufacturing-no-longer-immune-geopolitics
“Even with investment into renewables now twice that of fossil fuels, the world is not decarbonising fast enough,” write Robert Walker and Georgia Hammersley in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/world-proves-thirstier-ever-energy
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/world-proves-thirstier-ever-energy
The world proves thirstier than ever for energy
But the Trump administration is trying – and failing – to play a spoiler role while China focuses on the long game.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“Even with investment into renewables now twice that of fossil fuels, the world is not decarbonising fast enough,” write Robert Walker and Georgia Hammersley in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/world-proves-thirstier-ever-energy
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/world-proves-thirstier-ever-energy
“When US or European firms shed workers, the ripple effects hit supply chains in Asia, service centres in Africa, and contractors in Latin America,” writes Niusha Shafiabady in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/ai-didn-t-fire-you-board-did
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/ai-didn-t-fire-you-board-did
AI didn’t fire you. The board did
From Silicon Valley to Shanghai, the new excuse for redundancy has ripple effects everywhere.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:35 AM
“When US or European firms shed workers, the ripple effects hit supply chains in Asia, service centres in Africa, and contractors in Latin America,” writes Niusha Shafiabady in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/ai-didn-t-fire-you-board-did
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/ai-didn-t-fire-you-board-did
“India’s significance in the eyes of the present US administration has seemingly diminished,” writes Shanthie Mariet D’Souza in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/modi-courts-putin-eye-trump-s-disapproval
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/modi-courts-putin-eye-trump-s-disapproval
Modi courts Putin with an eye on Trump’s disapproval
Strategic autonomy worked when Washington was indulgent. Now India must choose what matters more.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 23, 2025 at 11:06 PM
“India’s significance in the eyes of the present US administration has seemingly diminished,” writes Shanthie Mariet D’Souza in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/modi-courts-putin-eye-trump-s-disapproval
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/modi-courts-putin-eye-trump-s-disapproval
“The dilemma of using a missile costing up to a million dollars to destroy a $5,000 drone is on the verge of resolution,” writes R. N. Prasher in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cheap-weapons-reshape-character-war
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cheap-weapons-reshape-character-war
Cheap weapons reshape the character of war
Railguns, nuclear-powered missiles and laser weapons could make sustained conflict more affordable.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 23, 2025 at 4:06 PM
“The dilemma of using a missile costing up to a million dollars to destroy a $5,000 drone is on the verge of resolution,” writes R. N. Prasher in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cheap-weapons-reshape-character-war
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cheap-weapons-reshape-character-war
“These initiatives are driven not by hard power but by capability building and resilience, and as a direct response to the region’s evolving needs,” writes Lisa Singh in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/quiet-strength-regional-friends-pitch-issues-based-coalitions
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/quiet-strength-regional-friends-pitch-issues-based-coalitions
Quiet strength? Regional friends pitch for issues-based coalitions
From the Quad to trilateral arrangements, purpose-driven partnerships are delivering where multilateral institutions struggle.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:25 AM
“These initiatives are driven not by hard power but by capability building and resilience, and as a direct response to the region’s evolving needs,” writes Lisa Singh in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/quiet-strength-regional-friends-pitch-issues-based-coalitions
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/quiet-strength-regional-friends-pitch-issues-based-coalitions
“A new book examines Russia's decade-long engagement with the region and finds more rhetoric than real influence” Read Georgi Engelbrecht in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/great-aspirations-examining-russia-s-role-southeast-asia
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/great-aspirations-examining-russia-s-role-southeast-asia
Great aspirations? Examining Russia’s role in Southeast Asia
A new book examines Russia's decade-long engagement with the region and finds more rhetoric than real influence.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:34 AM
“A new book examines Russia's decade-long engagement with the region and finds more rhetoric than real influence” Read Georgi Engelbrecht in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/great-aspirations-examining-russia-s-role-southeast-asia
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/great-aspirations-examining-russia-s-role-southeast-asia
“Our current cohort of hedgehogs cannot agree on the fundamental character of Australian strategy,” writes Iain MacGillivray in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/hedgehogs-foxes-it-s-time-school-australian-statecraft
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/hedgehogs-foxes-it-s-time-school-australian-statecraft
Of hedgehogs and foxes: It’s time for a school of Australian statecraft
As a middle power, Australia needs both bold decision-makers and quick-witted rationalists. Those skills can be taught.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:27 AM
“Our current cohort of hedgehogs cannot agree on the fundamental character of Australian strategy,” writes Iain MacGillivray in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/hedgehogs-foxes-it-s-time-school-australian-statecraft
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/hedgehogs-foxes-it-s-time-school-australian-statecraft
“Together, India and the Pacific can advance a stable, inclusive, and climate-secure Indo-Pacific,” write Namrata Kabra and Ambika Vishwanath in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/india-blue-pacific-partnership-climate-security
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/india-blue-pacific-partnership-climate-security
India and the Blue Pacific: A partnership for climate security
Pacific Island countries demand respect for sovereignty and self-determination. Can India help build that vision?
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“Together, India and the Pacific can advance a stable, inclusive, and climate-secure Indo-Pacific,” write Namrata Kabra and Ambika Vishwanath in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/india-blue-pacific-partnership-climate-security
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/india-blue-pacific-partnership-climate-security
“Widespread international support for the Australia-Pacific bid to host next year’s climate negotiations did not translate into a clear win,” writes Ryan Neelam in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/climate-change-compromise-progress-heart-amazon
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/climate-change-compromise-progress-heart-amazon
Climate change: Compromise and progress in the heart of the Amazon
Though outcomes might be less than hoped, important deals are being done at COP30.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:07 AM
“Widespread international support for the Australia-Pacific bid to host next year’s climate negotiations did not translate into a clear win,” writes Ryan Neelam in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/climate-change-compromise-progress-heart-amazon
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/climate-change-compromise-progress-heart-amazon
“The government would have struggled to deliver the proposed COP summit in Adelaide and meet all the expectations,” writes David Dutton in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop-australia-trades-hosting-climate-talks-presidency
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop-australia-trades-hosting-climate-talks-presidency
COP that: Australia trades hosting for climate talks presidency
Dreams of holding global climate negotiations in Adelaide may be dashed, but the compromise gives Pacific voices a lift.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:07 AM
“The government would have struggled to deliver the proposed COP summit in Adelaide and meet all the expectations,” writes David Dutton in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop-australia-trades-hosting-climate-talks-presidency
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop-australia-trades-hosting-climate-talks-presidency
“Experiences along the First and Second Island Chains show that the US is pursuing maximum operational control with minimum diplomatic or…” Read Robert Underwood in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/what-happens-micronesia-doesn-t-stay-micronesia
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/what-happens-micronesia-doesn-t-stay-micronesia
What happens in Micronesia doesn’t stay in Micronesia
What dispersed basing reveals about US strategic priorities.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:07 AM
“Experiences along the First and Second Island Chains show that the US is pursuing maximum operational control with minimum diplomatic or…” Read Robert Underwood in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/what-happens-micronesia-doesn-t-stay-micronesia
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/what-happens-micronesia-doesn-t-stay-micronesia