The future of the global economic order is in flux. Beijing's coercive economic policies, President Trump’s unprecedented tariffs, and the embrace of industrial policies around the world have cast doubt on the future of international economic rules. Globally, countries like Australia are being forced to contend with a more fragmented economic landscape that is affecting trade and technology flows, supply chains, multilateral institutions, and relations with the major powers.

In this era of unpredictability, critical questions arise:

  • Where are Trump's tariffs heading and how will they impact US economic relations and the United States as a place to do business?
  • Are the US and China heading for economic decoupling?
  • How should countries like Australia, Japan, South Korea, and India navigate great power competition and economic pressure?
  • What is the impact on alliance relations?
  • What role will minilateral and regional groups play in shaping a post-tariff global order?

The United States Studies Centre is delighted to bring you an in-depth panel discussion featuring a leading expert in diplomacy and economic affairs in East Asia, Ambassador Kurt Tong and USSC CEO, Dr Michael J. Green. USSC Director of Economic Security Hayley Channer will moderate the discussion.

About the speakers

Ambassador Kurt Tong

Ambassador Kurt Tong is a leading expert in diplomacy and economic affairs in East Asia and brings thirty years of experience in the Department of State as a career Foreign Service Officer and member of the Senior Foreign Service. Prior to joining The Asia Group, Ambassador Tong served as Consul General and Chief of Mission in Hong Kong and Macau and, earlier, was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department from 2014 to 2016.

Dr Michael Green

Dr Michael J. Green is professor and chief executive officer at the United States Studies Centre. Previously Dr Green was Senior Vice President for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and is on leave from Georgetown University where he was Director of Asian Studies and Chair in Modern and Contemporary Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. He served on the staff of the National Security Council at the White House from 2001 through 2005.

Hayley Channer

Hayley Channer is the Director of the Economic Security Program with the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Hayley has a diverse background having worked as an Australian Government official, Ministerial adviser, think tank analyst, and represented global non-profit organisations.