Tensions in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China have increased, causing Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to adopt a multi-pronged South China Sea (SCS) strategy. It is both a continuation and an expansion of his predecessors’ …
President Joe Biden says only God will prevent him running for re-election. Should Biden drop out of the race, and would Vice President Kamala Harris turn potential defeat into a viable contest between Democrats and Donald Trump? It is possible that the …
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s recent book gives readers insight into his Christian evangelical thinking. However, outside of AUKUS and standing up to “China’s bullying,” it has limited value for those who are primarily interested in foreign policy …
The multilateral trade system is facing increasing challenges, from geopoliticisation to securitisation. EU-China trade relations have been in constant change over the past decade. Recent measures from both the EU and China might suggest possible tensions …
Indonesia has introduced import duties on goods, primarily from China, to protect domestic industries from unfair competition. However, the drastic measure may backfire, particularly in an interconnected global economy. In recent weeks, Indonesia’s trade …
On 9 July 2024 AIIA NSW welcomed Professor Sean Turnell, Professor of Economics at Macquarie University and Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute. Professor Turnell was Special Economic Advisor to Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi between 2016 and …
This week in Australian foreign affairs: Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo in Australia for talks; Marles in Washington D.C. for NATO Summit; new assistance package for Ukraine; Australia shares committment to Drone Coalition; Marles meets with NATO Indo- …
The Obama administration’s Pivot to Asia was the right idea at the right time, according to a new book by Robert D. Blackwill and Richard Fontaine. They argue, however, that the Pivot was never implemented, and the US now finds itself in a weaker position …
As the US-led NATO forces withdrew, China stepped into Afghanistan, focusing on exploiting mineral resources, including lithium, crucial for green technologies like electric vehicle batteries. This move has raised geopolitical tensions and also concerns …
If Vladimir Putin had been looking for a not-so-secret agent to assist him in his mission to cause unrest in Europe, it is unlikely he would have thought his principal accomplice would be Emmanuel Macron, president of France. After Macron called a …
The European Commission’s Rule of Law Report, while assessing EU member states’ adherence to key rule of law principles, significantly lacks a focused evaluation of fundamental rights protections, especially for migrants. This oversight not only undermines …
The Albanese government wants Australia to make more stuff. That won’t be possible without closer cooperation with our trading partners, and South Korea provides a clear example of why. Australia’s 2024 federal budget earmarked AUD$22.7 billion for the “ …
The international landscape remains contradictory and fraught for the LGBTQ+ diplomat. Anecdotal experiences underscore broader issues faced by LGBTQ+ diplomats that shape their professional and personal lives abroad. Earlier in 2024, as part of my …
Dr Mohammad Pezeshkian’s election as president aligns with Iran’s domestic and international priorities. His reformist stance, support from Supreme Leader Khamenei, and experience in politics and medicine make him a pivotal figure in addressing social …
Economic engagement was a key focus at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, and there has been some serious money being put on the table by the Australian Government to help “derisk” private sector investment in Southeast Asia. But will this redress …
Two weeks until Paris hosts the Olympic Games, the French have spoken. In the highest voter turnout since 1997, and after three weeks of horse trading and politicking, the results of President Emmanuel Macron’s call for parliamentary elections are in. The …
Japan has focused on increasing ties with Taiwan in response to changing regional power dynamics. A key question is if the new Taiwanese leadership will be able to sustain the momentum behind this partnership. Over the past few years, Japan has quietly …
War between Israel and Lebanon may be inevitable. What might Western support for Israel look like and how might Israel mitigate Hezbollah’s strengths and the threats of regional escalation? Military and news commentators seem to be certain that it is not a …
Sanctions enforcement against North Korea is collapsing. Alternative strategies are likely to be ineffective, and North Korea is poised to take advantage. Enforcement of United Nations sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is …
The irony of African politics is that those who promise to eradicate corruption are often the ones distributing money to voters, while those who demand corruption-free leadership are frequently the recipients of such payments. This illustrates the …
