8 Apr 2020
Coronavirus in conflict: The fight has hardly begun
Covid-19 has brought wealthy nations to their knees. What will happen when the virus breaks out in a war zone?
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19 Mar 2020
The future ain’t what it used to be
If Covid-19 teaches us anything, obviously we need to plan, but let’s not pretend the future is actually predictable. -
3 Mar 2020
Syria: What the UN can do, and must do
With the Security Council once more hostage to the veto, the General Assembly should test the world’s resolve. -
24 Jan 2020
For Rohingya, the long distance between law and justice
This week’s ruling at the International Court of Justice delivered a stern rebuke, but it won’t stick. -
17 Jan 2020
At the UN, paying dues and having a say
Financing the world body is complicated and contentious. Losing the right to vote can be a calamity. -
29 Oct 2019
With a UN Human Rights Council seat, Indonesia has a choice
Jakarta could put human rights at the centre of its foreign policy, as well as clean up its act at home. -
3 Oct 2019
Can the ICC bring justice to Myanmar?
An investigation of crimes committed in Myanmar would be a historic undertaking, but many hurdles remain. -
1 Oct 2019
An educated idealist is still a believer
Samantha Power’s memoir is no reflection in despair but instead a continuing call to action in support of rights. -
24 Sep 2019
Syria: the disgraceful stain left by the UN Security Council veto
The General Assembly has a chance to act in the interests of peace in the face of Russian and Chinese intransigence. -
20 Sep 2019
INTERFET and the defence of Australia
The 1999 mission shaped not only Timor-Leste’s recent history, but also Australia’s post–Cold War trajectory. -
3 Sep 2019
How the US keeps priority boarding ahead of Iran at the United Nations
If Iran’s Foreign Minister wants to speak at UN headquarters in New York, is the US obliged to issue him a visa? -
28 Aug 2019
Who wants to be a peacemaker?
Next year’s contenders for non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council have much to offer, and perhaps much to gain. -
21 May 2019
China’s Digital Silk Road and stopping divergent technology standards
Existing international organisations cannot afford to diminish their multilateral role of connecting nations digitally. -
30 Apr 2019
Atrocities of April
Commemorating the terrible atrocities of the 20th century must spur efforts to stop the horrors of today and the future. -
24 Apr 2019
US undermines UN Security Council resolution against wartime rape
Washington's hard line on abortion and the ICC almost sank Germany’s plan to improve the prosecution of perpetrators. -
8 Oct 2018
A slap in the face for diverse diplomacy
Unmarried, same-sex partners of foreign diplomats have 30 days to get married or face deportation from the US. -
17 Sep 2018
Trump to take on Iran at UN Security Council table
Blasting the Islamic Republic is low-hanging fruit for an embattled President to please his base ahead of midterms. -
28 Aug 2018
Kofi Annan: great expectations
Annan would sometimes wryly joke the abbreviation used within the United Nations for his position stood for “scapegoat”. -
20 Aug 2018
Kofi Annan: a leader with compassion
As UN Secretary General, his most difficult tests was to handle American hubris and pursue the goal of a just world. -
25 Jun 2018
Human Rights Council: reform rather than reject
The US decision to walk away has made it harder for like-minded countries such as Australia to promote human rights. -
20 Jun 2018
When Indonesia sits on the Security Council
Winning a seat at the premier UN forum is a chance to see Southeast Asian issues on the world agenda. -
8 Mar 2018
Gender parity at the UN: promises to keep
A few “female bodies” in meeting rooms is not the end goal for advancement and empowerment of women at the UN. -
22 Jan 2018
Aid and development links: Nile dams, refugees as investment, teaching salaries, and more
Links from across the aid and development field. -
8 Jan 2018
An emerging role for the UN in the North Korean crisis
With diplomatic options on North Korea thin on the ground, the intervention by the UN Secretariat is welcome. -
8 Dec 2017
Does the nuclear weapon ban treaty warrant the Nobel Prize?
Australia should not sign the ban treaty. But the need for nuclear disarmament has not diminished. -
20 Sep 2017
Trump breathes fire but the UN is safe
In language and in tone, Trump's debut speech at the UN General Assembly felt like the international affairs equivalent of his inaugural address. -
30 Aug 2017
How the UN Security Council failed Syria
Whenever the Security Council membership is not unified, the Council cannot be effective. There are no exceptions. -
28 Dec 2016
The Interpreter's best of 2016: The UN secretary-general race
It started with a crowded field and there were some threatened upsets but in the end the favourite crossed the line well ahead. -
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