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
China in the Middle East: the Saudi factor
Even though China did not have a diplomatic relationship with Saudi Arabia until 1990, ties between the two countries have expanded rapidly since then. Energy products have formed the basis of a bilateral relationship that has, by and large, been of mutual benefit to both sides.
Report
Cereal stockpiles are likely to prevent short-term shortage and avert a global food crisis
With many major food producing countries experiencing a decline in cereal production in 2018, there are fears that the world could face a looming shortage of key food commodities. That fear is misplaced, however, due to the large volume of food commodities that have been stockpiled over the past five years.
Report
China in the Middle East: the overarching imperatives
The Chinese have created an Arab Policy Paper, which sets out some of its goals in the region. Beijing also seeks to act as a peace-maker and possible arbiter in the Middle East.
Report
Responding to urbanisation: considerations for low-carbon public transportation in a decentralised Australia
This report argues that international attention on the effects of urbanisation have identified that simple and effective urban transportation systems as essential to successful outcomes, and that transportation systems must be integrated, easily accessible, and feature low-carbon and renewable energy.
Report
Indonesian climate change policies: striking a balance between poverty alleviation and emissions reduction
Indonesia is an overlooked contributor of global greenhouse gas emissions. Land use changes, peat fires and deforestation are the largest sources of greenhouse gases in the country. Over the next decade, however, its energy policies could see the main source of emissions shift to the energy sector.