Oscar nominees are a window into current concerns and preoccupations: what strikes a chord and the issues of our time.

Europe and America read from diverging scripts at the annual strategic confab, the Munich Security Conference.

Israel’s mission to the moon is indicative of a trend where spaceflight in the Middle East is linked to politics.

The spectacle may be unedifying and cost of failure terrifying, but parliamentary democracy is still alive and kicking.

The impending bifurcation of the world internet economy will disrupt many industries, companies and national economies.

A combination of progress and hesitation is evident under Malaysia’s new rule, amid fear political turmoil will drag on.

The readiness of India and Pakistan to hurl accusations – and maybe worse – ignores injustice and poverty on the ground.

The tea-seller turned prime minister may see another term in office despite lacklustre domestic and foreign policy.

Charged atmospherics over border security has plenty guessing about public attitudes, but the numbers tell a story, too.

The televised debates bring the campaign to a country that has only been practising democracy for 20 years.

The eagerness to blame Indonesians for the cathedral attack sets back regional cooperation, exactly when most needed.

The seeds sown 100 years ago have resulted in the freedoms enjoyed in South Korea by over 50 million people today.

Victims of “red tagging,” or the false branding of activists as communist insurgents, can be fatal in the Philippines.

The extreme concentration of aid from Australia to PNG stands out. It may be time for others to get involved.

A seemingly minor move on Venezuela has potential ramifications for every country Australia has diplomatic ties with.

A case where Bahrain didn’t need to win to send a chill of horror up the spines of other dissidents watching on.

The medical evacuation bill is a really a debate on the limits of political discretion.

How to make portfolio flows “sticky” and avoid short-term swings in foreign sentiment sees an old idea gain new life.

The rush to loan-financed infrastructure is a geopolitical play, but does not consider the wellbeing of the recipients.

The path to leadership is littered with old players and the status quo, not economic diversity.

Many assume that China intends to replace American predominance in the Indian Ocean. But sea control seems unrealistic.

It’s very unusual for key players from the country’s two most powerful institutions to publicly showcase divisions.

Reported comments by Australia’s ambassador to the US warning Trump against a “pyrrhic” win with China seem out of step.

New data shows Russian power not only nuclear weapons. Asian states are being brought into Moscow’s sphere of influence.