Warwick McKibbin

Professor Warwick J. McKibbin

Vice Chancellor’s Chair in Public Policy and Director, Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (CAMA)

Teaching Profile

I teach IDEC8127 “Modelling the Global Economy: Techniques and Policy Implications” and I coordinate IDEC8030 – “Issues in Applied Macroeconomics”. I use complex economic models to work on global policy issues including climate policy, macroeconomic policy, trade policy and global demographic change.

Teaching Thoughts

I enjoy understanding complex problems using computer simulation techniques and to show students how the pieces of economics they learn in conventional courses fit together to give a comprehensive view of how the global system works. The interface of computer learning and solving real-world problems stimulates students into thinking that economics can be useful.

There are many big issues in the world which can be tackled.  It is important to understand a problem comprehensively from as many dimensions as possible before attempting to offer policy advice on how to address the problem. The best way to do this is to have a clear analytical framework with transparent assumptions. Empirical evidence is critical to testing the prior beliefs or theoretical assumptions that underlie analytical problem-solving. Explain your ideas to other people and either convince them of your ideas or modify your views once you hear convincing counterarguments that might change your mind. Be persistent in explaining your ideas to as many people as possible in as many ways as possible. If you cannot explain a complex idea simply then you probably don’t fully understand the issue.

Contact Details:

Name: Professor Warwick McKibbin
School: Crawford School of Public Policy
Department: Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis
College: College of Asia and the Pacific
Email: warwick.mckibbin@anu.edu.au
Phone: (02) 6125 0301