International Relations
Seek national security? Begin by becoming relevant
Geography is a tricky inheritance. For most countries, fate is sealed depending on their position on the map. For some states, the hand dealt by the natural forces condemns them…
International relations: Changing the narrative
Is the world today unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Unlike during the Cold War, there is no single commonly accepted description of the international order today. While some…
A jurisdiction over the high seas
During a summer break, The Interpreter will feature selected articles each day from throughout the past year. Normal publishing will resume 15 January, 2024. This article first…
Chinese grey zone spy balloons over the American heartland
Bizarrely, the Chinese have sent a high-flying spy balloon deep into the American heartland. The logic is that such balloons fly more than 22.2 kilometres above the surface. Under…
Ukraine suffers under realism’s Pyrrhic victory
Thucydides is considered the father of a “realist” approach to the theory and practise of international relations. One of his more celebrated observations was that “the strong do…
Podcasts
Rules Based Audio (Episode 2): In Conversation with Shirley Scott
In this episode of Rules Based Audio, Ben Scott talks to Professor Shirley Scott, Professor of International Law and International Relations at UNSW, Canberra.
Interactives
Did 9/11 change our world?
We asked six experts, “Did 9/11 define our world? If so, how? If not, what did?” After each of their responses to these questions, editor Lydia Khalil challenges the experts…
Interactives
Lowy Institute Diplomat Database
This Lowy Institute interactive uncovers the changing face of Australia's diplomatic network, tracking 47 years of Australian diplomatic appointments overseas. The data…
Is North Korea expertise all talk?
Among Russia, Middle East–North Africa, China and North Korea watchers, there’s a recurrent debate – one responsible for snide comments at conferences, heated social media…
A Biden presidency and US-Russia relations
Moscow’s muted reaction to Joe Biden’s election victory is unsurprising, and speaks volumes. The Kremlin is likely bracing itself for more confrontation with Washington, as US…