Power politics is intensifying. Economies are sputtering. Living standards are falling. Societal change is dizzying. When Australians look at the world today, they don't like what they see.

Now in its 22nd year, the 2026 Lowy Institute Poll captures how Australians feel about a world order that is rapidly slipping away. With economic pessimism on the rise and feelings of safety deteriorating, Australians have come to see the United States and China as two superpowers they distrust in equal measure. As the liberal international order gives way to something that is illiberal and disorderly, the Poll offers insight into how the public feels about Australia's place in a more troubling world.

Join us to hear from the Poll's author, Charles Lyons-Jones, alongside the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition and Charities and Nicola Smith, Canberra Bureau Chief of the Australian Financial Review. This event will be moderated by Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program.

Light refreshments will be served. 

Charles Lyons-Jones is a Research Fellow in the Lowy Institute's Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program, where he oversees the annual Lowy Institute Poll. Prior to this role, he spent five years in the Australian Government with PM&C and DFAT, including a posting to the Australian High Commission in Islamabad.

Nicola Smith is the Canberra bureau chief of the Australian Financial Review. She was formerly a foreign correspondent covering Asia and the European Union and joined the Financial Review in 2025.

Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Prior to being elected to Parliament in 2010, he was a professor of economics at the Australian National University.