Seeking perfection among the dead ends, red herrings and lost causes, a lover of espionage lists the must-haves.

Countries carry different motives to change from the cash economy. But privacy and security concerns remain.

The country’s future as an Indo-Pacific power depends on how resilient its cities are in the face of current and emerging threats.

The Melbourne summit delivered substance, even though it won’t change the world.

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

Actions speak louder than words.

It is entirely possible that the US may soon install a very different policy elite with very different ideas about domestic and foreign policy.

The nitty gritty of diplomatic practice carries a cost for leaders.

Agreements can foster trust – but won’t necessarily prevent wars.

A global energy transition will rely not on decoupling but uniting for a diversified and sustainable future.

In the facts-lite political debate, the opportunities and comparative advantages of solar are being sidelined.

Terms like 'consensus' and 'cooperation' float through the air, but awkward subjects keep intruding.

The ambition of the RAN’s plans will leave many sceptical. The government must take charge.

The four-nation grouping suffered a false start but has proved better connected in its new incarnation.

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

Mike Burgess kicked off a guessing game with his speech this week – which might have obscured his true message.

The diversity within the region is as important to understand as the ways ASEAN seeks to build consensus.

Japan and Australia have similar security strategies, so why not the same ships?

Enjoy free access to Martin Indyk’s analysis of Hamas-Israel conflict in the latest issue of Foreign Affairs.

Delhi is reinvigorating its outreach to overseas Indians - even as attracting talent from India is becoming an urgent necessity.

The rhythms of the electoral cycle are too often overlooked in the conduct of conflict.

The summit will succeed if the prime minister can build relationships, articulate a clear narrative, and avoid controversy.

Support from rich countries to poor ones is at the heart of the Paris Agreement – still the question remains how much?

The US is at the top of the list for both the quantity and quality of its military exercises. Here's why.

The imperative to protect Chinese victims of transnational crime has set off a chain reaction that could jeopardise Beijing’s longer-term objectives.

Big ambition is the order of the day.

Online censorship in the wake of extraordinary elections is the latest challenge to cost the country.

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

He rebels against the language of a “rules-based order” but he is happy to talk business.

Power, prestige and shifting estimates of what makes for a credible minimum deterrent help explain a growing arsenal – but more lies behind the move, too.

A coordinated “health as diplomacy” partnership could mobilise the Quad, PBP, and other multinational partnerships to do the same.

The future of the Antarctic Treaty System relies on laws that both foster cooperation and manage tensions.

The reasons behind rebranding a nation are myriad – from overt nationalism to anti-colonialism and everything in between.

Revealing the who, what and – just as importantly – where of foreign policy.

The Palestinian issue has never lost its resonance beyond the Middle East, especially in the Global South.

It’s true there are many actors and issues unfolding in the region, but Australia, the United States and China play a central role in driving aid and strategic competition.

Politics is a missing element of a new Lowy Institute assessment.

A new review may cast a revealing light on how the government uses third-party institutions to shape the country’s strategic thinking.

We are witnessing a wholesale transformation of warfare. Australia must learn the lessons for which the Ukrainians have paid such a high price.

Yulia Navalnaya – widow of Alexey Navalny – follows in the steps of other brave women forced in sorrow to carry on a political cause.

Haunted by history, the two nations must go beyond official narratives for true reconciliation.

A new book explores the power of literature on history's battlefields.

Many in Myanmar have condemned what they perceive as seriously flawed Western criticism of the Burmese ex-leader.

Keep calm and do science and inspections.

A perception of shared characteristics – risk taking, aspirational – is connecting with a youthful audience.

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

The incoming president’s ambition may be hostage to the influence of some big ministerial names.

There are significant risks for Australia around both the Virginia-class submarine and the proposed AUKUS SSN. A change of plan is needed to the so-called 'optimal pathway'.

And it’s not just Beijing – the Japanese strategic elite is understandably anxious about the future of its alliance with America.

International turmoil is having mixed political consequences both near and far.