Asia
How will the next Philippine president navigate the turbulent waters of the South China Sea?
The leadership change in Manila after the May 2016 presidential elections will certainly have significant impact on the country's policy towards China over the ongoing dispute in…
Turnbull Government adrift on ambiguous South China Sea rhetoric
With the revelation last week that China had reportedly deployed surface to air missiles on Woody Island, rising tensions in the South China Sea have once again been thrust into…
Journal Articles
Joko Widodo's Indonesia: Control and reform
In this paper for The Economist Intelligence Unit's Hopes and doubts: Perspectives on the long road to Indonesia' economic development, Aaron L Connelly examines…
Reports
G20 Monitor: The Chinese 2016 G20 host year
The 19th issue of the G20 Monitor focuses on the state of the G20 in the initial months of the Chinese G20 Presidency and examines policies that could contribute to the G20’s core…
Digital Diplomacy links: Facebook leaders, Army brigades, social media mobility and more
As Australian digital diplomacy strives to catch up to rest of the world, these monthly links highlight the most creative and effective ways countries are leveraging the internet…
We should think carefully about an Australian FONOP in the South China Sea
On 30 January, 95 days after its previous effort, the US Navy conducted another 'freedom of navigation operation' in the South China Sea (an operation known by the unlovely FONOP…
Pacific Island links: Russian arms in Fiji, Vanuatu's election result, PNG drought and more
By Alastair Davis, an intern in the Lowy Institute's Melanesia Program.
The shipment of Russian arms received by Fiji continues to intrigue analysts. This piece by Anna Powles…
Japan and China wrestle for ascendancy in Southeast Asia's railway Great Game
Luang Namtha in northern Laos is a sleepy wildlife reserve, popular with backpackers. In future it may become a vital geopolitical pivot point. Here the northern corridor to the…
Commentary
China's hazy GDP numbers more confusion than conspiracy
China's hazy GDP numbers more confusion than conspiracyLeon BerkelmansAustralian Financial Review22 January 2016Click here for the online text.Leon Berkelmans
Five ways Australian politicians could do some good on the South China Sea
Shadow Defence Minister Senator Conroy should be applauded for entering the debate on Australia's South China Sea policy. His instincts that Australia should do more to support a…