I spy an invisible cat. Two, in fact.

Don’t bet on it.

Unpicking the implications of Trump’s election win on the war in Ukraine.

Whatever happens over the next four years, the underlying causes of Russia–US confrontation won’t go away.

Russia will not long tolerate its increasingly vasal-like status to China.

With the two countries on diverging paths after recent elections, the choice appears to be between Russia and the West.

Vladimir Putin has rattled his sabre once again in the face of US and NATO deliberations on Ukraine’s use of weapons.

Having found common cause under sanctions, Pyongyang and Moscow are forging new economic geography and with it pan-continental security dynamics.

The region’s rare earth elements are in demand, but ties with Russia and China mean diversifying is easier said than done.

Should the deployment be confirmed, history offers three ways to gauge the cohesion of Pyongyang’s ties to Moscow.

An unyielding will in the face of invasion has inspired heroes at home and from afar.

The only nation with a viable theory of victory is Russia. Harris must decide if the US will change that equation.

If Donald Trump can’t achieve a quick solution in Ukraine, he could well turn on Putin and increase US support to Ukraine.

The latest Asia Power Index has Pyongyang pegged as Moscow’s best buddy…for now.

With strong rule of law credentials and expertise, Canberra should use its advantage in responses to war.

For Moscow, science has always come second to ideology.

Moscow has made a cynical calculation that conflict serves its interests.

Operating under flags of convenience, hundreds of vessels are evading the sanctions meant to stifle movement.

Cut off from the West, Russia is making a turn to Asia. But this leaves a cultural wound.

The Kursk offensive is a reminder of the enduring power of surprise. Prudence suggests that Australia needs be prepared.

No longer in the “middle of nowhere”, Central Asian countries are collaborating and diversifying, often away from Russia.

In a calculated gamble, the purpose appears as much political as military: a positive shift to the narrative, directed at multiple audiences.

Russia calls them mercenaries to deny international legal protections. Accountability is essential.

Contradictions between the two models of governance make coexistence among superpowers difficult.

With countries from outside the region looking to join, is the SCO about to beef up its geopolitical clout?

Despite the bluster about foreign policy independence, the Indian PM could have kept Putin at a distance.

Despite Moscow’s charm offensive, regional states are keeping their options open, and China remains the partner of choice.

The renewed marriage of convenience between Russia and North Korea has global implications.

With the Paris Games only weeks away, the controversy around athletes from “rogue” countries is set to intensify.

Putin and Kim wanted to send a message of strength. But the world might have heard differently.

Ever a pragmatist, the Russian leader’s calculated alignments are purely based on needs and interests.

Even a powerful state must make trade-offs in its foreign policy.

Seen as a potential heir apparent to Sergey Lavrov, Vassily Nebenzia is a mysterious but relentless envoy for the Kremlin.

Acknowledging the crimes in the 1940s would underline the attachment to Ukraine and rebuff changing borders by force.

But nor does this mean the end of Western hesitancy in its support for Ukraine.

An obsession with deterrence of Russian aggression treats Ukraine as a by-product rather than the main game.

Russia’s military aims in Ukraine have been furthered by its trade with the Central Asian nation.

Once a de facto leader in the post-Soviet space, Moscow is now falling outside the friend zone in its own backyard.

A game of semantic camouflage allows the Kremlin to reposition itself onto a war footing.

The Kremlin is covering its own mistakes in the bid to deflect attention.

One of Moscow’s goals in the Middle East was in many ways similar to that of the United States – to prevent the spillover of extremism.

With Kim Jong-un extending an olive branch to Tokyo, high-level talks may be on the cards, but roadblocks remain.

And just as importantly, is the West willing to call his bluff?

With non-permanent member status on the UN Security Council, Seoul has a long list of goals to help make its mark.

Kim Jong-un has been on a charm offensive to rekindle trade and tourism links with friendly neighbours.

Few expected Navalny to survive but his death shows how closed and suspicious Putin’s circle has become at home.

Calm down, Congressman.

The war in Ukraine appears to be a revolution in naval warfare. Australia’s upcoming Surface Fleet Review must reflect on the consequences.

Ukraine will be up against it maintaining Western support this year.  

Every day, millions of barrels of oil are being transported by ships with obscured ownership and origin. But is the game up?