In this publication, Lowy Institute experts provide policy recommendations for Australia to address issues that are critical to our nation’s — and the world’s — successful emergence from the pandemic.

The 2020 Lowy Institute Poll records unprecedented shifts in public opinion. Only half the country reports feeling safe — a record low for Australians. Our concern about a global economic downturn has skyrocketed. Optimism about our economic prospects has sunk to an historic low.

There is growing agreement between Australia, India, Japan and the United States that as China rises in Asia, the rules-based order needs strengthening and defending; but does the revived Security Quadrilateral Dialogue have any real prospect of rebalancing relationships in the region? Lavina Lee explains.

This Lowy Institute poll finds that almost all Australians say our nation a has handled COVID-19 well, but most are disappointed by China and the United States’ response.

This policy brief makes several practical recommendations that would allow the trilateral partners to compete more effectively with China while simultaneously promoting more sustainable development outcomes.