International law

How China sees its conflict with the Philippines
How China sees its conflict with the Philippines
Tensions are high again in the South China Sea. While Beijing attempts to tighten its grip on the region with a new ten-dash line, a multi-billion dollar military modernisation…
Testimonial therapy: Buddhism’s influence in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge tribunal
Testimonial therapy: Buddhism’s influence in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge tribunal
At the courtroom premises, robed monks gathered to chant. Candlelight cast a gentle glow as tendrils of incense wafted through the air, creating a sacred atmosphere as sunlight…
The sticky case of Indonesia, a seized Iranian oil tanker, and legal jurisdiction
The sticky case of Indonesia, a seized Iranian oil tanker, and legal jurisdiction
The two giant freighters floated “dark” in the open ocean not far from Indonesia. Their positioning transponders switched off, neither tanker displayed a national flag – but one…
Europe’s last war
Europe’s last war
Sometimes, watching the latest news, Europe’s last war comes to mind. At this time 30 years ago, the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the deadliest chapter in the violent break-up…
Archipelago angst: How Indonesia and the US differ on air routes over sea lanes
Archipelago angst: How Indonesia and the US differ on air routes over sea lanes
A few weeks ago, Indonesia’s armed forces chief Admiral Yudo Margono revealed interesting data about the countries said to have violated Indonesian airspace. The highest number of…
Nuclear weapons: “Oppenheimer” won’t make a difference, but Australia can
Nuclear weapons: “Oppenheimer” won’t make a difference, but Australia can
Oppenheimer is a big disappointment for those of us who hoped that this super-hyped, all-star-cast new movie might give new life to the nuclear disarmament cause, creating new…
Cluster munitions: A necessary defensive strategy for Ukraine
Cluster munitions: A necessary defensive strategy for Ukraine
Concerns over potential breaches of international humanitarian law in cluster munitions use in Ukraine are based on a misguided interpretation of the legal position. More so, the…
Regulating artificial intelligence: How the EU just got us closer
Regulating artificial intelligence: How the EU just got us closer
Last month, a draft European Union Artificial Intelligence Act was agreed in the European Parliament. Arguably, the draft Act represents the most comprehensive and radical step…
US-China: A Cold War lesson to apply “rules of the road” at sea
US-China: A Cold War lesson to apply “rules of the road” at sea
The most recent Taiwan Strait incident between the US Navy and the PLA Navy have not only highlighted how determined both sides are to advance their positions in the Strait, but…
Lessons from history: Comparing Australia’s response to war crimes with the United States
Lessons from history: Comparing Australia’s response to war crimes with the United States
“It is only recently that this country has given serious attention to the issue of war crimes allegedly committed by our forces,” Special Investigator and former judge Mark…