Policy Forum Pod Shock tactics – Brexit and thinking the unthinkable
This week on Policy Forum Pod, we take a look at shocks to the system – from Trump to Brexit – and ask whether our institutions are up to the task of dealing with them. We take a close look at Brexit and ask whether the promoters and supporters of Brexit really understood what would be involved, how the European Union has – and should have – responded, and where it might all be headed as the UK hurtles towards Brexit Day.
From referendum to the day the UK is currently planned to leave the European Union, it’s been three years in the making, but Brexit maintains its ability to surprise commentators, policymakers and the politicians pushing both for and against it. This week on the pod our expert panel - Nik Gowing, Anne McNaughton, and Alister Wedderburn - take a look at shocks to democratic systems with a focus on Brexit and ask whether we should have seen them coming, if we are responding properly when they happen, and where the next shock might come from.
Our presenters, Sue Regan and Paul Wyrwoll, also discuss Australia’s recent population policy that aims to reduce migration by a third, and the use of consultancies by government. They also take a look at some of the comments and questions you’ve left for us.
This week on the pod, we’ve welcomed:
Nik Gowing is the founder of Thinking the Unthinkable which is an independent project that investigates global leadership in a time of disruption in the world. Until recently he was a main presenter for BBC World News. He also presented The Hub with Nik Gowing, BBC World Debates, Dateline London, plus location coverage of major global stories.
Anne McNaughton is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU College of Law, as well as being a Fellow of the European Law Institute and one of the coordinators of the Special Interest Group on Contract Tort and Property Law. Anne’s research focuses on the European Union as a unique legal order in international law.
Alister Wedderburn is the John Vincent Postdoctoral Fellow at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, and teaches at the school as well. Alister’s work is broadly concerned with the relationship between international relations and visual, literary, and popular culture. In addition, he is also interested in political and international political theory, post-structuralist and continental philosophy, and practices of resistance.
Our hosts are:
Sue Regan is a PhD Scholar and tutor at Crawford School of Public Policy. Sue is also Program Director at the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA). Previously, Sue was chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, a UK-based research institute focusing on the well-being of low earners.
Paul Wyrwoll is an environmental and resources economist at Crawford School. Previously, Paul was General Manager of the FE2W Network and Managing Editor of the Global Water Forum.
Show notes | The following were referred to in this episode:
Australian Coalition’s population policy (migration cap)
Australia’s government spending on big four consultancies
Podcast: Is Australia’s policy machinery fit for purpose?
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