Patricia Ranald

Dr Patricia Ranald is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations from UNSW, an MA in Public Policy from the University of Sydney, and prior degrees from the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on the social and political impacts of global trade agreements, particularly labor rights, democratic governance, and public health policies. She is the Convener of the Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET), advocating for equitable trade policies aligned with human rights and environmental sustainability.

Dr Ranald's work critiques investor-state dispute mechanisms (ISDS) in trade deals and examines regional agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Her publications span academic journals, policy submissions, and op-eds, emphasizing transparency and democratic accountability in trade negotiations. Notable contributions include analyses of the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement and the role of transnational corporations in challenging public health regulations.

Her recent research highlights the tensions between neoliberal trade policies and pandemic responses, as well as the risks of foreign investor litigation against climate and public health measures. She has been a vocal critic of opaque trade deal negotiations, advocating for stronger parliamentary and public scrutiny of agreements that limit regulatory autonomy.

Awards: Winner of the UNSW Humanities Research Centre Award for Best Doctoral Thesis (2000). Active in policy advocacy through submissions to parliamentary inquiries and international forums.