Resources and Australia's future

Modern societies are becoming ever more dependent on mineral resources but increasingly less self-sufficient in their production, making access to stable and reasonably priced resources central to their functioning. And yet there is little awareness of the general dynamics, trends and forces governing the global production and trade in strategic resources. Developing such an awareness is particularly important for Australians, given our continent’s rich endowment in many of the resources that the global economy needs. Where does Australia fit in the global resources picture? What advantages and vulnerabilities flow from our mineral endowments? Addressing these questions is Dr Michael Wesley, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute for International Policy. Presented by the Lowy Institute at Victoria University, July 2010. Part 1 - 24: 43 mins     Part 2 - 19:01 min