Publications
Book Chapter: Routledge
Once highly desired for prestige and economic benefits, hosting major sports events is now met with caution in western economies due to escalating costs and risks. Conversely, emerging economies view these events as valuable tools for economic growth and global recognition, despite similar financial burdens. This chapter explores these dynamics, highlighting cost overruns, as seen in Tokyo 2020 and Sochi 2014, and the strategic interest from emerging nations, underscoring the complex, often cautionary, considerations facing potential host nations.
Letter to the Editor: The Australian
The forced departure from China of Australian journalists Bill Birtles and Mike Smith is immensely disappointing. The move consequently means Australia has no remaining accredited journalists based in China. It is a sad moment for Sino-Australian relations. It is a great loss for Australia as it is no longer able to chronicle the story of China — one that remains of significant importance.
Letter to the Editor: The Australian
Preferential treatment and access (to Victorian infrastructure projects) for China over Australia is probable … If a significant disparity arises, Victorians will consequently be impacted through the loss of business and job opportunities available to them.
Article: Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA)
The Australian federal government recently resolved to scrap the Victorian state government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The timing of this decision needs to be contemplated as ongoing developments may trouble bilateral relations between Australia and China.
Article: Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
Established in 2012, the 17+1 initiative was Beijing’s flagship effort to promote China’s economic relations with the nations of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). It’s largely perceived as an extension of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Some in Europe are worried about the subversive effects the 17+1 might have on the European project, while others think that it’s already unravelling. After a decade of cooperation between the CEE countries and China under the 17+1 mechanism, many of the CEE countries now have strong misgivings about partnering closely with China due to three key trends that are taking shape.
Article: Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA)
The COVID-19 pandemic has ignited new debate on China’s flagship foreign policy, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Against the official position of the Australian federal government, the state of Victoria has recently signed on.
Article: The Spectator
Coronavirus has reinvigorated discussions around the Sino-Australian relationship. Australia’s dependence on China highlights how interconnected we are on trade and investment (specifically, goods and services), the acquisition of key Australian assets, Australia’s reliance on China through global supply chains and exposure of Australia’s local manufacturing sector’s ability to back sovereign capability.
Article: Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA)
China seems poised to emerge from the current crises stronger than before. This will test the Sino-Australian relationship that has been characterised by mutual strategic interest and mutual distrust.
Article: The Conversation
It used to be that hosting any of the major sporting events, particularly the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, would carry significant prestige. It was an honour that would help to shape the legacy of a country or city. It could be a powerful moment of national symbolism and economic transformation. Why then, over the last few years, have many advanced Western economies decided not to bid for such major events, and in some cases, even withdrawn their proposals? Hosting an internationally prominent sporting event invites the global spotlight, provides an injection of tourism money, and a chance for a city or a country to rebuild or develop infrastructure. However, it also brings an immense financial commitment and great risk.
Article: The Conversation
Leaving the EU is one of the most intricate and transformative challenges that the UK has ever confronted. Brexit has significant implications for the British civil service and its capability to deliver on the government’s 12 priorities for Brexit.
Article: Institute of Public Affairs (IPA)
Did you know that the seventh most expensive building in the world is being built right here in Australia? No, it’s not a giant apartment block on the Gold Coast. It’s not a flashy new casino. It’s not even the recently announced hotel and apartment complex that will be attached to MoNA in Hobart. It’s the new Royal Adelaide Hospital (nRAH)—a project that is 18 months behind schedule and $640 million over budget. This makes the 800-bed hospital—a public-private partnership—the most expensive building in Australia and the largest capital investment project in South Australian history.
Article: The Spectator
Australia has a powerful sense of self and we as a nation-state must characterise and solidify ‘Australian values’ clearly within our narrative. It must be embedded within our aspirations, sentiments and within our day-to-day. It is thus, the foundation and our guiding principles as citizens. This is what I hold dearly as ‘Australian values.’