Implications for Australia of the Crisis in the West and the Threat from China and Russia

The West is in deep trouble. As a geopolitical entity, a model of economic success, a cultural and moral ideal, and as a superior form of governance the West seems to have lost its way. The leadership of the free world by the United States is now fraught with uncertainty. In America, and much of Europe, ultranationalist populism is leading to more inward-looking and protectionist policies. The growing rejection of the benefits of economic globalisation now risk more confrontational trade policies between nation states. In this Centre of Gravity Paper, Emeritus Professor Paul Dibb brings a lifetime of experience as both policy maker and scholar to examine these concerning global changes and identify what this means for Australia.