Global Issues
Australia must help turn back a regional democratic retreat
Successive Australian governments, for many years now, have not had an explicit policy for fostering and promoting democracy. One is needed, now more than ever.
International…
Can the UK stop the boats?
Suella Braverman once again became the UK’s Home Secretary, six days after resigning. Braverman remains committed to delivering the Conservative Party’s signature immigration…
Where the chips fall: in containing China, the US can leave Australia out
Earlier this month, Australia’s security ally, the United States, launched a policy of containment towards China, Australia’s largest trading partner and the country that has…
Australia’s road to Geneva
From the 1920s, Geneva, as the home of the League of Nations, became the principal focus of international diplomacy. Although Australia’s role as an international actor was in its…
Economic diplomacy: The IMF faces a US$ reality check
Back to basics
When the International Monetary Fund kicked off its latest twice-yearly meetings with blunt criticism of the fiscal policies of the new British government it…
Under pressure: the present and future of international order
International order is a concept much invoked and seldom defined, and even less often is it explained. Some argue that international order is anachronistic, others that it has…
Can China build a “community” for shared oceans?
While China’s growing naval presence has garnered much attention, awareness about its global maritime governance model remains limited. President Xi Jinping has spoken about …
Enemies of education are back in Malala’s hometown?
The terrorist attack on a school van in the Swat district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province this week confirms the return of the extremist groups that had imposed their…
Sustainable catch: better Indonesia-Australia cooperation on fishing
This month, Indonesia and Australia signed an agreement on combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This is not only a significant step for both countries in…
Maldives: the legacy of Islamic State
From 2014 to 2018, more people departed the Maldives to join with Islamic State than from any other country. In total, this figure is estimated at 250 men and women from a…