Australia
Defence exports and the Arms Trade Treaty – is Australia missing in action?
Australia’s new defence export strategy is one of many indicators that the government is losing interest in fulfilling its commitments under the previously celebrated Arms Trade…
Sex, Russia ties, and guns debate – what Turnbull takes to Washington
Malcolm Turnbull jets off to Washington this week for talks with Donald Trump as both men are engulfed in distracting scandals. For Trump, chaos is constant, while for…
How Australia crossed a line in the Timor Sea
The UN Compulsory Conciliation between Australia and Timor-Leste, which aims to set a boundary in the Timor Sea, appears to be inching towards resolution, with details…
Commentary
Democracy harmed by catch-all foreign influence laws
Originally published in Australian Financial Review. Daniel Flitton
Exposed! Australia’s secret war plans to attack Iran! (Maybe)
Among the range of sensitive government documents in the 'Cabinet Files' release last week, a list appeared with reference to a secret report intended for Australian eyes…
The ABC Cabinet Files and the secrets exposed
The second-hand furniture business in Canberra must be booming.
The last few days of Australian news has been dominated by the extraordinary story of how the ABC got hold of a…
The awkward case of the Australian “spy” in Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s Supreme Court has denied bail to Australian film-maker James Ricketson in an espionage case that is fast becoming an embarrassing headache for both countries involved.
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Joining the dots to Vancouver
Represented by Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Frances Adamson, Australia was one of 20 countries that participated in a conference last week on…
Waitangi Day and Australia Day: contrasting symbolism
In a little more than a week, New Zealand will celebrate its national day, Waitangi Day. This year will mark the 178th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, the…
US National Defense Strategy may force Australia to get off the fence
Sometimes your closest friends, rather than your rivals, cause the biggest headaches. The blunt language contained in the 2018 US National Defense Strategy (NDS) is likely to…