Lowy Institute
Frank Lowy stood at the center of a new Australian institution in April 2003. He was a Slovakian-born billionaire who had emigrated to Australia and built Westfield Corporation into a global shopping empire. The Lowy Institute emerged from his vision to conduct original research on international political, strategic, and economic issues from an Australian perspective. It took root in Sydney, Australia, specifically at 31 Bligh Street within the Central Business District. This location placed it inside a heritage-listed historic building that once housed the New South Wales Club premises. The site sits adjacent to the Hunter Street and Martin Place driverless Sydney Metro train stations. Lowy provided sufficient funding through a personal donation to support the institute's first eight years of operation. His family maintained a key role in governance with at least four individuals bearing the name Lowy serving on the Board of Directors.
The Lowy Institute receives funds from multiple government departments including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Home Affairs. Corporate donors include BHP, Capital Group, Rio Tinto, and Rothschild & Co. Investment management firm Manikay Partners also provides financial support alongside global accounting firm Ernst & Young. Former Australian diplomat Michael Thawley and his wife Deborah contributed donations as well. By 2019, the organization reported over $12 million in revenues which included more than $2 million derived directly from government sources. Expenses for that same year exceeded $9 million. The institute registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission in 2012 under the name Lowy Institute For International Policy. Its board comprises policy makers and business people such as David Gonski who chairs both ANZ Banking Group and Coca-Cola Amatil Limited. Sir Angus Houston serves as another director while Martin Indyk brings diplomatic experience as former United States ambassador to Israel.
Richard McGregor published a report titled Xi Jinping: The Backlash in 2019 examining how the world responds to China's rise to global power. The institute launched its blog called The Interpreter in November 2007 according to former Executive Director Allan Gyngell. He stated it aimed to provide fresh insights into international events and offer a new way to engage with the Institute. Annual publications include white papers and rankings on subjects like East Asia, International Security, Pacific Islands, West Asia, International Economy, Diplomacy, and Public Opinion. The Asia Power Index allows countries to be compared based on eight types of power including military capability, defense networks, economic resources, and cultural influence. Regular talks began recording and making available on the website starting in 2006. The annual Lowy Lecture remains the signature event where prominent individuals from Australia or abroad comment on Australia's global role. Every Australian prime minister since 2003 has presented at these conferences alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Vice-President Joe Biden.
The first Lowy Poll took place in 2005 surveying a nationally representative sample of the adult Australian population on foreign policy issues. Results are widely cited in both Australian and international media outlets. In April 2023, the poll indicated that one in five Chinese-Australians were called offensive names during 2022. This figure represented a drop of ten points from 31% recorded in 2020. The institute also conducted opinion polling in Indonesia, New Zealand, and China. Critics argued the format of the 2011 Lowy Institute Poll was inadequate for formulating Australian policy when compared to studies by CSIRO, Ipsos-Eureka, Cardiff University, Stanford University, and Yale University. Despite methodological disputes raised by external observers, the flagship publication continues to shape public discourse on foreign affairs across the nation.
Internal computer activity including email traffic attracted information-harvesting cyber attacks on the institute during and before 2012. These incidents were generally attributed to China according to reports published by Angus Grigg and Nick McKenzie in December 2018. A cable dated the 17th of December 2010 sent from the US embassy in Australia revealed reactions within Australia regarding diplomatic leaks. Released to Italian investigative journalist Stefania Maurizi in December 2023 under freedom of information laws, it described Michael Fullilove as a moderating voice who termed WikiLeaks conduct reckless while calling the leaks fascinating. US officials monitored pro-Assange protests in Australia for anti-US sentiment warning that increasing sympathy existed particularly on the left side of politics. Such sensitive data made the institute comparable to similar targets among US think tanks facing state-sponsored intrusions.
Jim Green national nuclear campaigner of Friends of the Earth Australia criticized the Lowy Institute in 2012 alleging it ran a disgraceful propaganda campaign advocating Australian uranium sales to India. This stance contradicted Australia's longstanding policy refusing to sell uranium to nations not joining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The format of the 2011 poll faced scrutiny over its adequacy compared to academic studies conducted by major universities. Despite these controversies the organization remains influential shaping debates about international policy in Australia. It hosts conferences seminars and events designed to inform deeper debate about global issues affecting the region. As of 2025 it stands as the most cited think tank based outside the United States and United Kingdom across the world.
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Common questions
When was the Lowy Institute established and where is it located?
The Lowy Institute emerged from Frank Lowy's vision in April 2003. It took root in Sydney, Australia, specifically at 31 Bligh Street within the Central Business District.
Who founded the Lowy Institute and what funding sources support its operations?
Frank Lowy provided sufficient funding through a personal donation to support the institute's first eight years of operation. The organization receives funds from multiple government departments including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and corporate donors such as BHP and Rio Tinto.
What major publications does the Lowy Institute produce regarding international relations?
Annual publications include white papers and rankings on subjects like East Asia, International Security, Pacific Islands, West Asia, International Economy, Diplomacy, and Public Opinion. The Asia Power Index allows countries to be compared based on eight types of power including military capability, defense networks, economic resources, and cultural influence.
How has the Lowy Poll measured Australian public opinion on foreign policy since 2005?
The first Lowy Poll took place in 2005 surveying a nationally representative sample of the adult Australian population on foreign policy issues. In April 2023, the poll indicated that one in five Chinese-Australians were called offensive names during 2022.
Did the Lowy Institute experience cyber attacks or security breaches before 2012?
Internal computer activity including email traffic attracted information-harvesting cyber attacks on the institute during and before 2012. These incidents were generally attributed to China according to reports published by Angus Grigg and Nick McKenzie in December 2018.