34 seconds ago
Terrorism returns to Delhi with a troubling new profile
A murky explosion in India last week dredges up old concerns.
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8 hours ago
The troubling reality of DeepSeek’s AI model
With genuine ideological and existential threats to consider, the next iteration of AI will be critical. -
20 hours ago
Nauru’s latest deportee deal with Australia repeats old mistakes
As a mono-economy shifts from phosphate to people, the pattern of boom and bust continues unchanged. -
21 hours ago
The paradox of US military retrenchment in the Asia-Pacific
A partial retreat in the region could backfire, flaming tensions and emboldening China’s aggression. -
23 hours ago
Agency preservation drives the Indonesia–Australia security treaty
The echoes of history are evident – only this time, trust may not be as important as the context. -
1 day ago
Is left-wing terrorism returning?
Incidents are indeed up sharply, but lethality remains extremely low compared with right-wing and jihadist violence. -
14 Nov 2025
The world is getting on with tackling climate change. Australia can’t afford to be left behind
While ambition at COP30 is still a long way from what’s needed, most countries are maintaining their commitments to act. -
14 Nov 2025
The Australia-Indonesia pact won’t shift the regional balance
But this diplomatic win for Australia does reflect warm neighbourly ties. -
14 Nov 2025
The US-China fentanyl deal will not stop America’s opioid crisis
Synthetic drug makers can adapt faster than governments regulate, rendering precursor bans at best short-term respite. -
14 Nov 2025
The rise and rise of geopolitical risk
Volatile geopolitics creates risks for business. A new industry is emerging in Australia to meet the demand for intelligence and advice. -
13 Nov 2025
Preparing for when disaster and conflict converge
What Australia must learn for its defence posture following record flooding and typhoons in Vietnam and the Philippines. -
13 Nov 2025
Albania’s AI-generated minister is impressive spectacle, questionable reform
Behind the glossy digital image lies deeper concerns about governance, corruption, and how political performance shapes policy. -
13 Nov 2025
“Anchored in the region” – What the new Australia–Indonesia security treaty really means
The pact strengthens trust between neighbours who don’t always agree, without abandoning Indonesia’s non-alignment. -
13 Nov 2025
Where the Philippines might lead ASEAN
Will Manila shake off its “deputy sheriff” badge to become the anchor of a new coalition in Southeast Asia? -
12 Nov 2025
A case for UN reform that cannot wait
The power, purpose, and the price of relevance for the global organisation at 80. -
12 Nov 2025
Will North Korea defend China in a Taiwan war?
Pyongyang’s contribution to Moscow’s war against Ukraine means a difficult question needs to be asked in the event shooting starts. -
12 Nov 2025
Yemen’s generation without classrooms
A decade of war and humanitarian crisis has cratered Yemen’s education system for girls. -
11 Nov 2025
Why does the Taliban remain a point of influence in Bangladesh?
Afghanistan’s extreme form of Islam has seeped into subtle spaces – and risks Dhaka’s reputation as a global player. -
11 Nov 2025
London calling, political patronage, and the diplomatic curtain
The Foreign minister’s pledge to prioritise diplomats over politicians hasn’t extended to breaking one posting tradition. -
11 Nov 2025
When women win: India’s cricket revolution
India’s World Cup victory shows that investing in women’s sport delivers results beyond the boundary, with lessons across the region. -
11 Nov 2025
Why COP30 may disappoint – again
Ten years after Paris, climate talks are bogged down by insufficient action, unfinished business, and declining global trust. -
10 Nov 2025
A new model for forest finance or just more debt?
The Tropical Forests Forever Facility promises billions for conservation but ties conservation funding to the debt burdens already crushing developing economies. -
10 Nov 2025
Australia becomes a risk-taking ally
AUKUS represents an Australian switch from a practice of risk avoidance to one of eager acceptance. -
10 Nov 2025
Pacific Islands: Without literacy, climate resilience is nigh on impossible
Strategic competition has left gaping holes in regional health and education goals. The parameters need to be reset. -
10 Nov 2025
Not every critical mineral is equal – and Australia’s policy should reflect this
The elements that genuinely matter for security should be treated as defence policy, not economic opportunity. -
7 Nov 2025
The COP30 and COP31 summits must be a display of southern hemisphere stewardship
Brazil hosts but Australia must prove its climate credentials – leadership is earned through action, not hosting rights. -
7 Nov 2025
Anwar’s international success sours at home
Malaysia won the world over as host of the ASEAN summit, but domestic politics tells a different story. -
7 Nov 2025
A wall rebuilt in Europe – this one for drones
Russia’s threats spurred plans for continental air defence, but squabbles over control and capability threaten the project. -
7 Nov 2025
Australia-Japan ties are about shaping outcomes, not hedging bets
With strong security ties, both countries can influence Washington’s strategy and constrain Beijing’s options. -
6 Nov 2025
Will a trade deal repair India-US ties?
New Delhi’s optimism about Trump's return has given way to punitive tariffs, stalled negotiations, and diplomatic drift. -
6 Nov 2025
A new permanent contest with China over critical minerals will be hard to win
Australia’s more ambitious critical mineral deal-making is exacting a high price -
6 Nov 2025
Russia’s arrest of Ukrainian scientist brings the chill of geopolitics to the Antarctic
The charge sheet for “high treason” tells of Moscow’s efforts to undermine the Antarctic Treaty System from within. -
6 Nov 2025
COP30 and COP31 will test middle powers in a climate of opportunity
Brazil and Australia must prove they can pivot from commodity extraction to clean industrial innovation. -
5 Nov 2025
Beyond the headlines: the risk of stereotyping women in uniform
A class action on behalf of female ADF members puts a spotlight on the media portrayal of military women. -
5 Nov 2025
Australia’s mineral diplomacy can connect Africa’s resources to Asia’s demand
Deeper engagement would help ensure Indo-Pacific partners are not hostage to China’s industrial dominance. -
5 Nov 2025
Åland, and the fate of demilitarised islands on Russia’s doorstep
Deliberately defenceless, this Finnish territory at the heart of the Baltic Sea is still threatened. -
5 Nov 2025
The art of Australia’s straight-talking diplomacy
A foreign service known for being informal and egalitarian has worked a treat for Canberra’s envoys. But does it reward boldness? -
4 Nov 2025
With Sanae Takaichi, “Japan is back” is back
Coalition politics, tax resistance and ambitious defence spending goals will require the new PM to strike a fine balance. -
4 Nov 2025
Beyond AUKUS: The maritime strategy Australia needs
Consolidating maritime departments, and coordination across defence, civil and industry is where the wins will be made. -
4 Nov 2025
Timor-Leste: to join the ASEAN neighbourhood, start with the house next door
Indonesia could make ASEAN membership meaningful for Timor-Leste by opening up ferries and flights from Kupang. -
4 Nov 2025
Repairing warships, maintaining neutrality: Indonesia’s legal balancing act
A deal to repair US warships has sparked debate over Jakarta’s foreign policy tradition – but international law offers clear guidance. -
3 Nov 2025
The myth of “soft-liners” in Myanmar's military governments
Like any large organisation, Myanmar's military contains conflicting views. But the generals share a number of core beliefs. -
3 Nov 2025
Indonesia's diplomacy: Changing with confidence
A stagnant foreign policy approach will not serve the nation at a time when adaptability is a necessity. -
3 Nov 2025
The logic behind South Korea’s nuclear submarine deal
South Korea is no longer merely buying American security; it is building in interdependence. -
3 Nov 2025
The Pacific Olympics legacy Australia needs to build for Brisbane 2032
From medal moments to tourism corridors, a Pacific-focused sports diplomacy strategy could transform regional ties. -
31 Oct 2025
Resilience diplomacy: The quiet contest shaping the Indo-Pacific
For middle powers, the ability to help partners withstand shocks may prove more valuable than raw strength. -
31 Oct 2025
High waters, deep divisions in views of the South China Sea
One side’s freedom of navigation is the other’s territorial violation – and no code of conduct seems set to reconcile this. -
31 Oct 2025
The mystery of South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarines
Another Trump statement that poses a whole lot of unanswered questions. -
31 Oct 2025
Solomon Islands can have a military, but it shouldn’t need one
If Pacific security initiatives are done right, the region’s non-conventional threats can be better addressed. -
30 Oct 2025
Crunch time for Australia and COP31
Hosting the 2026 summit demands enormous effort and commitment from the top that only the PM can provide.