Jenny Gordon | Can Australia Afford the Future? | Part 1 episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 18, 2026 · 1H 1M

Jenny Gordon | Can Australia Afford the Future? | Part 1

from The Focus · host Auscast Network

🌐 The global balance is shifting. For decades, economists claimed trade would keep the peace—but what happens when the world’s two biggest superpowers weaponise trade against each other? 🇺🇸 vs 🇨🇳 Who really holds the power? Has globalisation created an economic ticking time bomb—where neither side can strike without risking total financial meltdown? And what about countries caught in the crossfire—like Australia? Can smaller nations break free, or are they doomed to become pawns in the ultimate power struggle between Washington and Beijing? These are the questions that will define our future. They will decide who thrives, who survives, and who gets left behind. Get ready for an epic discussion with Dr Jenny Gordon—economist, global strategist, and former Chief Economist at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In Part 1 of this explosive two-part series, we dive into the economic question of the century:Can the world stay connected—or are we headed for a new era of economic warfare? Hit play and join the debate now! 🔥 About Dr Jenny Gordon Dr Jenny Gordon is an economist specialising in international trade, economic development, public policy and the intersection between economics and strategic affairs. She is an Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute, and formerly served as Chief Economist at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Over a distinguished career spanning academia, government and public policy, Dr Gordon has worked extensively on trade liberalisation, economic reform, productivity, migration, climate policy, regional economic integration and Australia’s engagement with Asia. Before DFAT, she held senior positions at the Australian Productivity Commission, where she contributed to some of Australia’s most influential economic policy research. Her work focuses on helping governments navigate complex economic challenges in an era increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition, technological disruption and shifting patterns of globalisation. Selected Publications and Major Works Books and Edited Volumes Contemporary China: A New Superpower? (co-editor, with Ligang Song)Rising China: Global Challenges and Opportunities (contributor)China’s Domestic Transformation in a Global Context (contributor) ⸻ Major Reports and Research Australian Foreign Policy and Trade Australia’s Engagement with the World: The Role of Trade and Economic DiplomacyAustralia and the Changing Global Trading SystemThe Future of Globalisation: Implications for AustraliaTrade, Technology and Strategic CompetitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NOW PLAYING

Jenny Gordon | Can Australia Afford the Future? | Part 1

0:00 1:01:28

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Focus?

This episode is 1 hour and 1 minute long.

When was this The Focus episode published?

This episode was published on June 18, 2026.

What is this episode about?

🌐 The global balance is shifting. For decades, economists claimed trade would keep the peace—but what happens when the world’s two biggest superpowers weaponise trade against each other? 🇺🇸 vs 🇨🇳 Who really holds the power? Has globalisation...

Can I download this The Focus episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!