Programs & Projects

Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project

Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project

The Lowy Institute’s Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project (2020–2023) looked at the efforts of foreign governments to influence and possibly interfere in Australian society, and the impact of these efforts on Australian democracy and multiculturalism.

Australia’s Multicultural Statement states that Australia is the most successful multicultural country in the world. Further research was needed about the way in which foreign governments may work through foreign language media or culturally and linguistically diverse communities to further their own objectives. Government responses to these efforts should be informed by evidence directly from affected communities.

The Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project, funded by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, drew on quantitative and qualitative analysis to provide evidence-based policy options and fill some of these gaps in the discourse around multiculturalism and foreign policy. The project comprised three nationally representative surveys of the Australian population of Chinese heritage and three Lowy Institute Analysis papers. A key aim of the Project was to investigate the sentiments of Chinese-Australian communities in the context of growing tensions in bilateral ties between China and Australia.

A summary report of the Project's findings can be found below.


Responsibility for the views, information or advice expressed in this project are those of the author/s, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Lowy Institute or the Australian government.

Cover image: Tomoaki INAB / Flickr

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Latest publications
News and media
Project Director, Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project
Senior Fellow for East Asia
Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project 2020–2023 Summary
Reports
Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project 2020–2023 Summary
The Lowy Institute’s Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project (2020–2023), funded by the Department of Home Affairs, comprised three nationally representative surveys of…
2023 Being Chinese in Australia Poll
Interactives
2023 Being Chinese in Australia Poll
The third Being Chinese in Australia: Public opinion in Chinese communities survey conducted by the Lowy Institute’s Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project asks how…
Conversations: Zhiqun Zhu on Chinese foreign policy ahead of the 20th National Congress of the CCP
Podcasts
Conversations: Zhiqun Zhu on Chinese foreign policy ahead of the 20th National Congress of the CCP
In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Research Fellow Jennifer Hsu talks with Zhiqun Zhu to explore and assess some of China’s major foreign policy initiatives and…
Australia’s responsibility is to see, hear and advocate for the people of Taiwan
Commentary
Australia’s responsibility is to see, hear and advocate for the people of Taiwan
As China chastises Australia for not siding with the ‘victim’, let’s see Taiwan on its own terms and not through the frame of Sino-US rivalry. Originally published in The Guardian…
WeChat's role in Australian democracy: A grassroots view
Analyses
WeChat's role in Australian democracy: A grassroots view
A new study finds that despite drawbacks, the Chinese messaging app plays a vital role in the democratic participation of Chinese-Australians.
Conversations: Think local, act central - innovation in local level policymaking in China
Podcasts
Conversations: Think local, act central - innovation in local level policymaking in China
Research Fellow Jennifer Hsu speaks with Jessica Teets about policy experimentation and diffusion at the local level in China.
The Sydney Morning Herald
24 April 2023
ABC RN Sunday Extra
23 April 2023
Australian Associated Press
19 April 2023
Australian Financial Review
19 April 2023
ABC Radio PM
19 April 2023