Organisation
Future Directions International
Acronym:
FDI
Future Directions International (FDI) was an independent, not-for-profit research institute. It was established in 2000, by Major General (Retd.) the Honourable Michael Jeffery (former Governor General of Australia), together with a small group of leading Australians, to conduct comprehensive research of important medium to long-term issues facing Australia.
FDI ceased operations in November 2021.
Report
Countering China’s grip on rare earth commodities
This paper explores how China has strategised its monopoly on rare earth commodities and the impact of that action at the geopolitical level. It also examines how countries such as Australia and the U.S may navigate around that monopolisation, which will also have implications at the political level.
Report
China’s strategic objectives and ambitions in the South-West Pacific
This paper argues that China has a key and, in the eyes of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), legitimate reason to focus its efforts in the South-West Pacific: to break out from Washington’s efforts to contain China’s influence and displace the United States as the dominant Pacific power.
Report
Meat flaps and turkey tails: Are fatty, cheap cuts of meat the cause of obesity in the South Pacific?
Obesity rates have risen faster in the South Pacific than anywhere else over the last 30 years and are expected to continue to increase for the foreseeable future. The importation of fatty, cheap cuts of meat is often blamed for the high prevalence of obesity in most Pacific Island countries.
Report
India’s tit-for-tat foreign policy: taking a leaf out of China’s playbook?
This paper argues that there can be little doubt that India has changed its stance regarding retaliatory measures against countries that, in its perception, work against it. Whereas, previously, New Delhi was content to take diplomatic measures against such countries, today it goes further, taking economic measures against them.
Report
“Howdy Modi”: a diplomatic tour de force superimposed on US-India bilateral issues
US and Indian national and strategic interests play out across a range of issues and areas of potential engagement. The anticipated resolution of their tariff war did not occur during the events of Howdy Modi week despite the leaders’ personal rapport.