The RBA leaves rates on hold, Australia gets a GDP growth spurt from pre-election spending, and the IMF lays the groundwork for a lowering of global growth expectations.
Will the gains from globalization be allowed to go up in smoke?
Reuters
With foes of globalization seeing their voices trumpeted by Brexit and Donald Trump’s candidacy, the G20 needs to act as a counterweight that sounds a clear vision for a connected future.
Raising more questions than answers.
EPA/How Hwee Young
Britain’s prime minister keeps saying ‘Brexit means Brexit’ but exactly what this looks like is far from clear.
The G20 meeting in Hangzhou is a chance for global leaders to push back against anti-globalization forces that threaten free trade.
ROLEX DELA PENA/EPA
China’s leaders like to put on a good show. Whether it’s the Olympics or the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting, not losing face is paramount. Every country likes to put its best diplomatic foot…
Canada has been in the global doldrums for close to two decades, but now it’s got a chance to get back in the game.
Chinese are starting to question government control of the terms of public debate, as conveyed by this propoganda banner in Hangzhou in 2010.
Philip Roeland
Hangzhou is hosting the G20 summit and China is anxious to present a positive picture of the country to the world, but the official attitude to non-compliant citizens isn’t helping.
Heading in the opposite direction?
AlexLMX/Shutterstcok
One of the distinctive features of the contemporary international order is the role played by multilateral organisations. Ever since the US became the dominant force in international affairs in the aftermath…
Right, what shall we do this year?
Reuters/Pool new
Without true structural reform and business investment the G20 economies will be unable to deliver on their lofty growth ambitions.
Farm workers tend to a tobacco crop in Zimbabwe in 2014. The push to establish a business and human rights treaty is fraught with problems.
Reuter/Philimon Bulawayo
Traditionally human rights are viewed as being indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. The notion that a company may need to choose which human rights it will protect is antithetical.
One of four koalas on loan to Singapore Zoo, where they were unveiled to the public on Wednesday May 20.
Qantas Airways
Four female koalas have just made their debut in front of an adoring public at Singapore Zoo – the latest in a long line of animals used for diplomatic purposes, going back to Winston the platypus.