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 Afghan returnee legacy still influences how a segment of Bangladeshi youth view the Taliban today, not just as distant rulers of Kabul…” Read Saqlain Rizve in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-does-taliban-remain-point-influence-bangladesh
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-does-taliban-remain-point-influence-bangladesh
Why does the Taliban remain a point of influence in Bangladesh?
Afghanistan’s extreme form of Islam has seeped into subtle spaces – and risks Dhaka’s reputation as a global player.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:26 AM
“The Afghan returnee legacy still influences how a segment of Bangladeshi youth view the Taliban today, not just as distant rulers of Kabul…” Read Saqlain Rizve in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-does-taliban-remain-point-influence-bangladesh
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-does-taliban-remain-point-influence-bangladesh
“In Australian bureaucratic parlance, a PSM is a recipient of the Public Service Medal, but in this context it is closer to pale, stale, and male,” writes Daniel Flitton in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/london-calling-political-patronage-diplomatic-curtain
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/london-calling-political-patronage-diplomatic-curtain
London calling, political patronage, and the diplomatic curtain
The Foreign minister’s pledge to prioritise diplomats over politicians hasn’t extended to breaking one posting tradition.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:34 AM
“In Australian bureaucratic parlance, a PSM is a recipient of the Public Service Medal, but in this context it is closer to pale, stale, and male,” writes Daniel Flitton in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/london-calling-political-patronage-diplomatic-curtain
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/london-calling-political-patronage-diplomatic-curtain
“The story is most tragic in Afghanistan, where women cricketers trained with the hope of wearing the national colours – brutally curtailed since the Taliban’s return,” writes Sanchari Ghosh in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/when-women-win-india-s-cricket-revolution
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/when-women-win-india-s-cricket-revolution
When women win: India’s cricket revolution
India’s World Cup victory shows that investing in women’s sport delivers results beyond the boundary, with lessons across the region.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:06 PM
“The story is most tragic in Afghanistan, where women cricketers trained with the hope of wearing the national colours – brutally curtailed since the Taliban’s return,” writes Sanchari Ghosh in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/when-women-win-india-s-cricket-revolution
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/when-women-win-india-s-cricket-revolution
“The United States supplied almost 10% of total climate finance in 2024 but has since dismantled much of its climate-related foreign aid,” write Melanie Pill and Georgia Hammersley in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-cop30-may-disappoint-again
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-cop30-may-disappoint-again
Why COP30 may disappoint – again
Ten years after Paris, climate talks are bogged down by insufficient action, unfinished business, and declining global trust.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“The United States supplied almost 10% of total climate finance in 2024 but has since dismantled much of its climate-related foreign aid,” write Melanie Pill and Georgia Hammersley in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-cop30-may-disappoint-again
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-cop30-may-disappoint-again
“The very nations that keep the world’s forests standing could find themselves underwriting the cost of conservation through debt repayments, while…” Read Jawad Khalid in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/new-model-forest-finance-or-just-more-debt
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/new-model-forest-finance-or-just-more-debt
A new model for forest finance or just more debt?
The Tropical Forests Forever Facility promises billions for conservation but ties conservation funding to the debt burdens already crushing developing economies.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:06 AM
“The very nations that keep the world’s forests standing could find themselves underwriting the cost of conservation through debt repayments, while…” Read Jawad Khalid in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/new-model-forest-finance-or-just-more-debt
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/new-model-forest-finance-or-just-more-debt
“Our nation’s acceptance of risk is perhaps greatest in regards to climate change policy,” writes Albert Palazzo in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-becomes-risk-taking-ally
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-becomes-risk-taking-ally
Australia becomes a risk-taking ally
AUKUS represents an Australian switch from a practice of risk avoidance to one of eager acceptance.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:30 AM
“Our nation’s acceptance of risk is perhaps greatest in regards to climate change policy,” writes Albert Palazzo in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-becomes-risk-taking-ally
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-becomes-risk-taking-ally
“Every statistic tells the same story: where literacy and education are weak, health and climate vulnerability deepen,” writes Serena Sasingian in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/pacific-islands-without-literacy-climate-resilience-nigh-impossible
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/pacific-islands-without-literacy-climate-resilience-nigh-impossible
Pacific Islands: Without literacy, climate resilience is nigh on impossible
Strategic competition has left gaping holes in regional health and education goals. The parameters need to be reset.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:39 AM
“Every statistic tells the same story: where literacy and education are weak, health and climate vulnerability deepen,” writes Serena Sasingian in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/pacific-islands-without-literacy-climate-resilience-nigh-impossible
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/pacific-islands-without-literacy-climate-resilience-nigh-impossible
“When the market is tiny, it simply cannot deliver economic growth in the way the government is promising,” write Eli Hayes and Darren Lim in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/not-every-critical-mineral-equal-australia-s-policy-should-reflect
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/not-every-critical-mineral-equal-australia-s-policy-should-reflect
Not every critical mineral is equal – and Australia’s policy should reflect this
The elements that genuinely matter for security should be treated as defence policy, not economic opportunity.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 9, 2025 at 4:06 PM
“When the market is tiny, it simply cannot deliver economic growth in the way the government is promising,” write Eli Hayes and Darren Lim in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/not-every-critical-mineral-equal-australia-s-policy-should-reflect
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/not-every-critical-mineral-equal-australia-s-policy-should-reflect
“Both countries are engaging in climate diplomacy to elevate the voices of the Global South,” writes Izabela Pereira Watts in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop30-cop31-summits-must-be-display-southern-hemisphere-stewardship
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop30-cop31-summits-must-be-display-southern-hemisphere-stewardship
The COP30 and COP31 summits must be a display of southern hemisphere stewardship
Brazil hosts but Australia must prove its climate credentials – leadership is earned through action, not hosting rights.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:25 AM
“Both countries are engaging in climate diplomacy to elevate the voices of the Global South,” writes Izabela Pereira Watts in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop30-cop31-summits-must-be-display-southern-hemisphere-stewardship
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop30-cop31-summits-must-be-display-southern-hemisphere-stewardship
“Deals with Malaysia and Cambodia have drawn criticism for so-called ‘poison pill’ clauses that have been characterised as a loyalty test for aligning with US interests,” writes Amy Chew in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/anwar-s-international-success-sours-home
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/anwar-s-international-success-sours-home
Anwar’s international success sours at home
Malaysia won the world over as host of the ASEAN summit, but domestic politics tells a different story.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:34 AM
“Deals with Malaysia and Cambodia have drawn criticism for so-called ‘poison pill’ clauses that have been characterised as a loyalty test for aligning with US interests,” writes Amy Chew in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/anwar-s-international-success-sours-home
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/anwar-s-international-success-sours-home
“Japan views changes in the United States with less anxiety than in Australia,” writes David Vallance in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-japan-ties-are-about-shaping-outcomes-not-hedging-bets
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-japan-ties-are-about-shaping-outcomes-not-hedging-bets
Australia-Japan ties are about shaping outcomes, not hedging bets
With strong security ties, both countries can influence Washington’s strategy and constrain Beijing’s options.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“Japan views changes in the United States with less anxiety than in Australia,” writes David Vallance in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-japan-ties-are-about-shaping-outcomes-not-hedging-bets
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-japan-ties-are-about-shaping-outcomes-not-hedging-bets
“The thought process that a Modi-Trump meeting would be able to set the clock right has been replaced by avoiding any meeting,” writes Shanthie Mariet D’Souza in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/will-trade-deal-repair-india-us-ties
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/will-trade-deal-repair-india-us-ties
Will a trade deal repair India-US ties?
New Delhi’s optimism about Trump's return has given way to punitive tariffs, stalled negotiations, and diplomatic drift.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:10 AM
“The thought process that a Modi-Trump meeting would be able to set the clock right has been replaced by avoiding any meeting,” writes Shanthie Mariet D’Souza in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/will-trade-deal-repair-india-us-ties
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/will-trade-deal-repair-india-us-ties
“Pre-emptively rejecting China’s participation, something already happening, will impede Australia’s critical mineral ambitions,” writes Robert Walker in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/new-permanent-contest-china-over-critical-minerals-will-be-hard-win
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/new-permanent-contest-china-over-critical-minerals-will-be-hard-win
A new permanent contest with China over critical minerals will be hard to win
Australia’s more ambitious critical mineral deal-making is exacting a high price
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:27 AM
“Pre-emptively rejecting China’s participation, something already happening, will impede Australia’s critical mineral ambitions,” writes Robert Walker in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/new-permanent-contest-china-over-critical-minerals-will-be-hard-win
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/new-permanent-contest-china-over-critical-minerals-will-be-hard-win
“The charge sheet for ‘high treason’ tells of Moscow’s efforts to undermine the Antarctic Treaty System from within” Read Tony Press in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/russia-s-arrest-ukrainian-scientist-brings-chill-geopolitics-antarctic
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/russia-s-arrest-ukrainian-scientist-brings-chill-geopolitics-antarctic
Russia’s arrest of Ukrainian scientist brings the chill of geopolitics to the Antarctic
The charge sheet for “high treason” tells of Moscow’s efforts to undermine the Antarctic Treaty System from within.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:37 AM
“The charge sheet for ‘high treason’ tells of Moscow’s efforts to undermine the Antarctic Treaty System from within” Read Tony Press in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/russia-s-arrest-ukrainian-scientist-brings-chill-geopolitics-antarctic
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/russia-s-arrest-ukrainian-scientist-brings-chill-geopolitics-antarctic
“If Brazil and Australia position themselves as partners of choice – providing technology, investment, and reliable…” Read Martin Geissdoerfer and Trang Nguyen in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop30-cop31-will-test-middle-powers-climate-opportunity
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop30-cop31-will-test-middle-powers-climate-opportunity
COP30 and COP31 will test middle powers in a climate of opportunity
Brazil and Australia must prove they can pivot from commodity extraction to clean industrial innovation.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“If Brazil and Australia position themselves as partners of choice – providing technology, investment, and reliable…” Read Martin Geissdoerfer and Trang Nguyen in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop30-cop31-will-test-middle-powers-climate-opportunity
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cop30-cop31-will-test-middle-powers-climate-opportunity
“Sex discrimination is one of the stories about military women, but not all,” writes Cate Carter in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/beyond-headlines-risk-stereotyping-women-uniform
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/beyond-headlines-risk-stereotyping-women-uniform
Beyond the headlines: the risk of stereotyping women in uniform
A class action on behalf of female ADF members puts a spotlight on the media portrayal of military women.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:06 AM
“Sex discrimination is one of the stories about military women, but not all,” writes Cate Carter in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/beyond-headlines-risk-stereotyping-women-uniform
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/beyond-headlines-risk-stereotyping-women-uniform
“Leaving open the possibility of cooperation with China on terms that uphold African agency and sustainability…” Read Christopher Burke in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-mineral-diplomacy-can-connect-africa-s-resources-asia-s-demand
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-mineral-diplomacy-can-connect-africa-s-resources-asia-s-demand
Australia’s mineral diplomacy can connect Africa’s resources to Asia’s demand
Deeper engagement would help ensure Indo-Pacific partners are not hostage to China’s industrial dominance.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:09 AM
“Leaving open the possibility of cooperation with China on terms that uphold African agency and sustainability…” Read Christopher Burke in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-mineral-diplomacy-can-connect-africa-s-resources-asia-s-demand
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-mineral-diplomacy-can-connect-africa-s-resources-asia-s-demand
“Ålanders also see their autonomy and their unique status as an example that can be utilised in other complex states where there is a geographically…” Read Grant Wyeth in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/aland-fate-demilitarised-islands-russia-s-doorstep
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/aland-fate-demilitarised-islands-russia-s-doorstep
Åland, and the fate of demilitarised islands on Russia’s doorstep
Deliberately defenceless, this Finnish territory at the heart of the Baltic Sea is still threatened.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:06 AM
“Ålanders also see their autonomy and their unique status as an example that can be utilised in other complex states where there is a geographically…” Read Grant Wyeth in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/aland-fate-demilitarised-islands-russia-s-doorstep
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/aland-fate-demilitarised-islands-russia-s-doorstep
“A foreign service known for being informal and egalitarian has worked a treat for Canberra’s envoys. But does it reward boldness?” Read Lachlan Strahan in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/art-australia-s-straight-talking-diplomacy
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/art-australia-s-straight-talking-diplomacy
The art of Australia’s straight-talking diplomacy
A foreign service known for being informal and egalitarian has worked a treat for Canberra’s envoys. But does it reward boldness?
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:06 PM
“A foreign service known for being informal and egalitarian has worked a treat for Canberra’s envoys. But does it reward boldness?” Read Lachlan Strahan in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/art-australia-s-straight-talking-diplomacy
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/art-australia-s-straight-talking-diplomacy
“Long regarded as Abe’s heir apparent, Takaichi’s early priorities have many convinced that Japan is, once again, getting serious about regional balancing challenges…” Read Tom Corben in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/sanae-takaichi-japan-back-back
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/sanae-takaichi-japan-back-back
With Sanae Takaichi, “Japan is back” is back
Coalition politics, tax resistance and ambitious defence spending goals will require the new PM to strike a fine balance.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:24 AM
“Long regarded as Abe’s heir apparent, Takaichi’s early priorities have many convinced that Japan is, once again, getting serious about regional balancing challenges…” Read Tom Corben in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/sanae-takaichi-japan-back-back
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/sanae-takaichi-japan-back-back
“As Australia looks across the geopolitical landscape, the trend is clear: states are increasingly willing to use force to achieve their aims,” writes Jennifer Parker in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/beyond-aukus-maritime-strategy-australia-needs
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/beyond-aukus-maritime-strategy-australia-needs
Beyond AUKUS: The maritime strategy Australia needs
Consolidating maritime departments, and coordination across defence, civil and industry is where the wins will be made.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 4, 2025 at 1:34 AM
“As Australia looks across the geopolitical landscape, the trend is clear: states are increasingly willing to use force to achieve their aims,” writes Jennifer Parker in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/beyond-aukus-maritime-strategy-australia-needs
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/beyond-aukus-maritime-strategy-australia-needs
“How Indonesia and Timor-Leste could be so proximate and yet so disconnected reflects a complex history of colonisation and then occupation,” writes Iona Main in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/timor-leste-join-asean-neighbourhood-start-house-next-door
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/timor-leste-join-asean-neighbourhood-start-house-next-door
Timor-Leste: to join the ASEAN neighbourhood, start with the house next door
Indonesia could make ASEAN membership meaningful for Timor-Leste by opening up ferries and flights from Kupang.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 3, 2025 at 11:06 PM
“How Indonesia and Timor-Leste could be so proximate and yet so disconnected reflects a complex history of colonisation and then occupation,” writes Iona Main in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/timor-leste-join-asean-neighbourhood-start-house-next-door
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/timor-leste-join-asean-neighbourhood-start-house-next-door
“When powerful fleets operate nearby, a neutral with limited…” Read Pornomo Rovan Astri Yoga , Aloysius Selwas Taborat and Gulardi Nurbintoro in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/repairing-warships-maintaining-neutrality-indonesia-s-legal-balancing-act
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/repairing-warships-maintaining-neutrality-indonesia-s-legal-balancing-act
Repairing warships, maintaining neutrality: Indonesia’s legal balancing act
A deal to repair US warships has sparked debate over Jakarta’s foreign policy tradition – but international law offers clear guidance.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“When powerful fleets operate nearby, a neutral with limited…” Read Pornomo Rovan Astri Yoga , Aloysius Selwas Taborat and Gulardi Nurbintoro in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/repairing-warships-maintaining-neutrality-indonesia-s-legal-balancing-act
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/repairing-warships-maintaining-neutrality-indonesia-s-legal-balancing-act
“The generals have always shared a number of core beliefs, notably the need for the Tatmadaw to retain effective control over national affairs,” writes Andrew Selth in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/myth-soft-liners-myanmar-s-military-governments
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/myth-soft-liners-myanmar-s-military-governments
The myth of “soft-liners” in Myanmar's military governments
Like any large organisation, Myanmar's military contains conflicting views. But the generals share a number of core beliefs.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:07 AM
“The generals have always shared a number of core beliefs, notably the need for the Tatmadaw to retain effective control over national affairs,” writes Andrew Selth in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/myth-soft-liners-myanmar-s-military-governments
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/myth-soft-liners-myanmar-s-military-governments
“Indonesia’s posture as a democratic middle power enables it to engage with all partners without losing its direction. Neutrality has never meant silence,” writes Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/indonesia-s-diplomacy-changing-confidence
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/indonesia-s-diplomacy-changing-confidence
Indonesia's diplomacy: Changing with confidence
A stagnant foreign policy approach will not serve the nation at a time when adaptability is a necessity.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:35 AM
“Indonesia’s posture as a democratic middle power enables it to engage with all partners without losing its direction. Neutrality has never meant silence,” writes Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/indonesia-s-diplomacy-changing-confidence
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/indonesia-s-diplomacy-changing-confidence