An Era of Foreign Political Interference: Impulsive, Overcompensation of Australia, and a Comparison of Legislative Schemes with the United States

In an increasingly globalized world, foreign political interference is a growing threat to democratic systems of government. Following events like Russia’s successful attack on the United States 2016 presidential election and growing threats of interference from China to Australia’s democratic process, Australia became the first country to completely overhaul its national security and foreign political interference laws through broad, sweeping reform. While its new legislation aims to provide greater transparency between the Australian government and the public, the impulsive and hastily drafted laws have given rise to the potential for many unwanted consequences. This Comment brings to light some of the most significant changes to Australia’s national security and foreign political interference laws and contemplates the potential repercussions. Further, this Comment compares the United States’ legislative framework for protections against foreign political interference to Australia’s new laws and proposes a solution to correct Australia’s failed reformations