On Wednesday, January 18, the Asia Policy Program and the Clark Center for Australian & New Zealand Studies cohosted “Caught in the Crossfire or Frenemies? The Economic and Political Relationship between China and Australia,” with Lisa Toohey, Professor of Law and Visiting Fulbright Scholar at the University of Texas at Austin. Toohey began her talk by giving an overview of the existing economic relationship between Australia and China, a topic of focus in recent years as Australia has become increasingly dependent on China for trade. Toohey continued by discussing the COVID-19 pandemic and its role in worsening Australian-Chinese relations. She detailed the results of a 2018-2022 Lowy Institute survey that measured Australians’ view of China. Between 2018 and 2022 respondents shifted from viewing China as an economic partner to viewing it as a security threat. Toohey wrapped up her talk by examining how Australia can balance its economic interests with its political interests.

Biography

Dr. Lisa Toohey is a Professor of Law and Assistant Dean (Equity Diversity & Inclusion) with research and teaching expertise in international trade law, and dispute resolution. Lisa holds dual qualifications in Law and International Relations. Her research project focuses on the changing political dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region and their impact on the Australia-U.S. relationship. It includes the examination of trade and non-trade concerns at both a global and regional level and changing attitudes towards the use of multilateral mechanisms for the resolution of disputes. The objective of the project is to enhance U.S.-Australian relations by strengthening the mutual understanding of the political context in which trade currently operates for each country.

Professor Toohey was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to pursue her research at the University of Texas at Austin, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During her time at UT Austin, she will also meet with undergraduate students to discuss career paths in trade law-related fields. Stay tuned for future events featuring Dr. Toohey and discussions about her work!

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