Diplomacy

Pacific Islands Forum meeting: the black cloud returns
Pacific Islands Forum meeting: the black cloud returns
“My fellow Micronesians,” a proud David Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia said last month, “A black cloud has disappeared from the Pacific.” Panuelo was…
Knowledge is power: A small investment for a big return
Knowledge is power: A small investment for a big return
Amid regular expressions of concern about the growing influence of autocratic nations in Asia and strategic competition in the Pacific, Australia should look at investing more in…
Rejuvenating DFAT: increasing diversity and becoming less insular
Rejuvenating DFAT: increasing diversity and becoming less insular
Writing in The Interpreter this month, Justin Brown built the case for rejuvenating the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. While I agree broadly with his diagnosis, I offer…
A strategy for uncertain times
A strategy for uncertain times
It seems obvious that the next government will need a national security strategy. In the election campaign foreign policy debate last week Marise Payne and Penny Wong agreed that…
Looking for a little sizzle from the 2022 election campaign
Looking for a little sizzle from the 2022 election campaign
Bipartisanship no refuge for patriots It was notable how last Friday’s relatively buttoned-down debate between Foreign Minister Marise Payne and her Labor opponent Penny Wong was…
Getting the most from Australia’s regional engagements
Getting the most from Australia’s regional engagements
Depending who wins the election this Saturday, either Scott Morrison or Anthony Albanese will attend the Quad Summit in Tokyo on 24 May as Australia’s Prime Minister. Prior to…
China and the West: It’s about understanding each other 
China and the West: It’s about understanding each other 
Book Review: The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict between the US and Xi Jinping’s China, by Kevin Rudd (Hatchette 2022)  The rise of a strong and…
The case for rejuvenating DFAT
The case for rejuvenating DFAT
A number of experts have argued for change at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure it is match fit for the major geopolitical challenges facing the country. Some…
The second age of globalisation is beginning to buckle
Commentary
The second age of globalisation is beginning to buckle
The ripple effects of the Russo-Ukrainian war are spreading and intensifying. Deglobalisation will jeopardise the prosperity and welfare of millions. Originally published in The…
Scott Morrison wins. So where to next for Australia in the world?
Scott Morrison wins. So where to next for Australia in the world?
A returned Morrison government will see a Prime Minister at the height of his political powers, being just the second Australian leader this century to win two elections…