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
US strategic objectives in the South Pacific challenged by Sino-American competition
A region long paid little attention by Washington, it is now arguable that the South Pacific has the potential to morph into the next theatre of strategic competition between China and the United States, aided by Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Japan.
Report
Weak governance and lack of investment hindering Australia’s fight against food waste
This paper argues that until the Australian government can provide better leadership and investment, it is unlikely that the country will make particularly strong progress towards reducing food loss and waste.
Report
A Middle Eastern chess game: US-Iran tensions and the implications for India
This paper assesses the changing dynamics in the US-Iran relationship, the crisis in the Persian Gulf, the importance of Iran to India and how the US-Iran situation is affecting Indian interests.
Report
The US, Iran and the Middle East amid shifting alliances
This paper argues that contrary to the belief that President Trump and some of his advisers hold, a war with Iran will not be quick and surgical, or end in a matter of days. Nor will Iran absorb any attack without conducting devastating counterstrikes against its neighbours’ oil infrastructure and other strategic targets.
Report
China’s dire straits: no brothers in arms – part three
China and Russia have been brought together by their fear of a common adversary rather than for more positive reasons. They share far more suspicions about each other than they do reasons to combine forces.