Lowy Institute

Ryan Neelam, a former Australian diplomat and director at the Lowy Institute, and Dr. Ronny Patz, an expert in UN financing, dive deep into the pressing issues facing the United Nations. They tackle the UN's financial crisis, forecasting potential bankruptcy by 2026 and increased staff cuts. The discussion also highlights China's growing influence in the UN and debates about global leadership dynamics between the US and China. Ultimately, they weigh in on the effectiveness of the UN80 reforms amid rising tensions and the pressing need for representation from the Global South.

The Pacific Islands face converging transnational and geopolitical threats, yet existing intelligence exchanges are fragmented and inadequate to meet the scale of these challenges. The Lowy Institute’s Oliver Nobetau and Mihai Sora discuss a new policy proposal to create a Pacific Eyes agreement — a dedicated intelligence-sharing framework that could transform regional security cooperation. You can read about the Pacific Eyes intelligence-sharing agreement here: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/pacific-eyes-intelligence-sharing-agreementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What exactly is the nature of the deal struck between the US and Australian governments on critical minerals? How is it different to the agreements Washington later signed with Southeast Asian countries? And why are we worried about supplies of (not very) rare earths anyway? Explore the economics and politics with the Lowy Institute's Sam Roggeveen and Robert Walker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Director-General of Security Mike Burgess delivered the 2025 Lowy Lecture before a packed Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday 4 November 2025. In his address and subsequent conversation with the Lowy Institute's Executive Director Dr Michael Fullilove, Mr Burgess spoke about the interplay between threats to Australian security, including those which emanate from abroad, and our country’s social cohesion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During his visit to the UN in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese re-declared Australia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029–30. But winning a seat on the world’s apex body is not assured, and the Council itself is facing a crisis of confidence. The Lowy Institute’s Ryan Neelam speaks with former Australian Ambassador to the UN Gary Quinlan AO about the state of the Security Council today, the case for Australia’s bid, and the impact Australia could have on global peace and security as an elected member.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Torigian, a prominent China scholar and author, discusses the significant influence of Xi Jinping’s father, Xi Zhongxun, on his son’s political ideology. Torigian illuminates how Xi Senior's experiences shaped Xi Junior's approach to leadership and the Communist Party's core values. The conversation dives into the moral dilemmas faced by Xi Zhongxun, the complexities of political purges, and the careful handling of legacy by Xi Jinping. Insights into the balance between tradition and innovation provide a fascinating look at contemporary Chinese politics.

The long-awaited meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has finally happened. Lowy Institute Executive Director Dr Michael Fullilove talks with Lydia Khalil and gives his take on the meeting’s outcomes and what it means for the US–Australia alliance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bilahari Kausikan, a veteran Singapore diplomat and author, discusses his insights from 'The Myth of the Asian Century'. He argues that this narrative oversimplifies Asia's complexities and masks critical thinking. Kausikan explores China's tactical appropriation of the Asian story for influence, the ongoing relevance of the U.S. in the region, and the nature of competition between these powers. He also highlights how nationalism in Southeast Asia may prevent any single nation's dominance, ensuring a balanced regional dynamic.

Until his retirement from government this year, Nick Rasmussen has worked in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism under successive Republican and Democratic administrations in the United States since the September 11 attacks in 2001, including under the first Trump administration.  In this conversation, the Lowy Institute’s Lydia Khalil speaks with Nick about the significant changes the Trump administration has made to CT/CVE policy and how allies can adjust. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sam Roggeveen and Interpreter Managing Editor Daniel Flitton for a conversation about what we covered this month in Australia’s best foreign affairs magazine, The Interpreter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.