Genna’s policy experience has focused on geostrategic issues in our region, including advising on Australia’s relationship with ASEAN and the Quad, and a posting to Bangkok. She also has trade policy experience, including in the Office of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Her combination of expertise sparked her interest in the increasing intersection between trade, foreign and security policy. She speaks Thai and Japanese.

Genna’s PhD thesis aims to draw lessons for Australia on ways our close partner, Japan, is managing geoeconomic dynamics. Her thesis will examine how Japanese industry has responded to geopolitical risks and the Japanese Government’s economic security policies. She plans to evaluate policy options for Australia to manage geoeconomic risks and will identify opportunities for Australia and Japan to enhance cooperation on geoeconomic issues.

Supervisor: Dr Darren Lim

Publications

• Lehman G (2026) 'Foreign investment screening could have saved chipmaker Nexperia: What are the lessons for Australia?', The Interpreter, Lowy Institute, https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/foreign-investment-screening-could-have-saved-chipmaker-nexperia-what-are-lessons