Australian Diplomacy

Australia's relationship with China can survive – but it won't be the same again
Commentary
Australia's relationship with China can survive – but it won't be the same again
There can be no return to the relations of the past. The question for 2021 is how to find a new settling point. Originally published in The Guardian.
The Case for Australia to Step Up in Southeast Asia
Reports
The Case for Australia to Step Up in Southeast Asia
A policy brief by Hervé Lemahieu, Director of the Power and Diplomacy Program at the Lowy Institute, published by The Brookings Institution.
Australia's Security and the Rules-Based Order: Tracking a Decade of Policy Evolution
Interactives
Australia's Security and the Rules-Based Order: Tracking a Decade of Policy Evolution
In this feature, we identify ten recurring propositions about the rules-based order and show it's evolution through national debate and government policy. Explore how the rules…
A budget of skewed priorities
A budget of skewed priorities
It’s been a few years since my once-regular annual budget analysis for the foreign affairs, defence and trade portfolio. But of course, this is not just any budget.  This is…
China and the Rules‑Based Order
Interactives
China and the Rules‑Based Order
Seven experts debate China’s approach to the rules‑based international order
Who’s afraid of China’s big bad wolf warriors?
Commentary
Who’s afraid of China’s big bad wolf warriors?
Originally published in The Australian.
Get behind Southeast Asia with clear policy against China bullies
Commentary
Get behind Southeast Asia with clear policy against China bullies
Originally published in The Australian.
DFAT cuts show our foreign policy's khaki tinge
Commentary
DFAT cuts show our foreign policy's khaki tinge
Underinvestment in diplomacy suggests Australia is more eager to defend against a disorderly world than to try to reshape it. Originally published in the Australian Financial…
Devaluing DFAT
Devaluing DFAT
The launch of the 2020 Defence Strategic Outlook prompted some observers to argue that Australia should boost the firepower of its diplomacy as well as its defence force. They…