Economic Statecraft in Securing Australia’s Future

Australia’s economic security policies risk making Australia poorer in the name of national security and may also make Australia less secure. It overlooks the critical importance of the multilateral trading system, which is under threat but remains fundamental to the prosperity and security of Australia and its neighbours. Retreat from that system towards friendshoring risks unravelling economic and political ties. Though a small open economy and middle power politically, Australia can be a leader in its theatre of influence and interest, in East Asia, where it will find agency to protect its national and global interests.