Melbourne Event: Asia in 2025 – the return of Donald Trump

Join Lowy Institute experts and guests as they examine the implications for Asia of Donald Trump’s re-election as US President. Our panellists will examine the consequences of his re-election for US security and trade ties with Indo-Pacific, and how countries in Asia are preparing for Trump’s return to the White House. They will also discuss the outlook for US-China tensions and key regional flashpoints, including Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Dr Lydia Khalil will convene this conversation with colleagues Daniel Flitton, Managing Editor of the Interpreter and Susannah Patton, Director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, and Professor Bec Strating, Director of La Trobe Asia.

Daniel Flitton is Managing Editor of the Interpreter. He was previously diplomatic editor and senior correspondent at The Age and worked as an analyst in the Office of National Assessments.

Susannah Patton is Director of the Southeast Asia Program and project lead for the Asia Power Index at the Lowy Institute. 

Professor Bec Strating is Director of La Trobe Asia and a Professor of International Relations at La Trobe University. With Professor Joanne Wallis, she is the author of “Girt by Sea: reimagining Australia’s security”, published in 2024. 

Dr Lydia Khalil is Director of the Transnational Challenges Program at the Lowy Institute. She manages the Digital Threats to Democracy Project. She is also a Senior Research Fellow at Deakin University’s Alfred Deakin Institute.