From Nixon’s downfall to Merkel’s success, history offers hard lessons for those behind the throne.

A carefully worded extradition treaty means New Delhi can hedge its bets, but it should be prepared for blowback.

A new emphasis in diplomacy isn’t all downside.

From the Quad to trilateral arrangements, purpose-driven partnerships are delivering where multilateral institutions struggle.

As a middle power, Australia needs both bold decision-makers and quick-witted rationalists. Those skills can be taught.

The Foreign minister’s pledge to prioritise diplomats over politicians hasn’t extended to breaking one posting tradition.

A foreign service known for being informal and egalitarian has worked a treat for Canberra’s envoys. But does it reward boldness?

From medal moments to tourism corridors, a Pacific-focused sports diplomacy strategy could transform regional ties.

For middle powers, the ability to help partners withstand shocks may prove more valuable than raw strength.

The Albanese playbook on quiet engagement bolsters the country’s reputation for reliability. And that’s good for business.

With a global roll call of stars, Australia could build disaster resilience and environmental credibility.

More than geography, the coordinates of a state are borne of ideology, history and power perceptions.

An Australia–Asia green energy transmission link will test sovereignty, diplomatic leverage, and maritime security.

City-to-city agreements are creating small but powerful connections for Taiwan in ways its national officials cannot.

When it comes to soft power, a little more humility and a lot less swagger would work in Canberra’s favour.

Once pariahs, the Taliban are seen as partners in a region where pragmatism rules.

A civil war in the African republic reveals the limits of moral authority in a world of competing strategic interests.

Penny Wong's initiative is conceptually muddled but might still be smart diplomacy in Southeast Asia

Flattering Trump may win short-term favour only to create a dynamic that will weaken future negotiating positions.

When pop stars become geopolitical indicators.

Myanmar’s military ruler celebrates receiving formal correspondence from Washington, seeing diplomatic validation despite sanctions.

Does Australia really want to fund rival codes against each other in Pacific competition with Beijing?

With pressure mounting at home over a Trump meeting and a forthcoming Beijing trip raising questions about alliance priorities, the PM must show relations run both ways.

With influence its main power, the Holy See is seeking to exert a more global reach.

The art of deciphering Beijing’s carefully guarded politics has been reawakened under Xi’s increasingly secretive rule.

Hun Sen’s leaked recording of Thai PM exposes how unregulated informal diplomacy can threaten regional stability.

Military hotlines and exercise notifications could reduce escalation risks while acknowledging persistent misreading of intent.

Reducing America’s global diplomatic presence to pre-Second World War levels will only lead to declining influence.

In a world where power is defined by networks rather than borders, Taipei’s quiet diplomacy is making headway.

There is nothing new in weaponising airwaves to shape hearts and minds across borders.

In geopolitics, are the benefits of allies overrated?

A chance to influence America’s most important competitor for one thing – but that’s only the start.

From kurtas to the three-piece suit, what world leaders wear speaks volumes.

Compelling strategic lessons lie in institutional decay, alliance uncertainty, and deterrence gaps that mirror historical dangers.

In an era where wars are fought as much with symbols as with bullets, memes have become tools of influence, contestation, and digital diplomacy.

A US YouTuber shows how soft power is done.

A headline-making meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again underscored the diplomatic value of attending major state funerals.

Whoever wins the coming Australian election will do well to listen, consult, and show up in the region it calls home.

As India sees it, the country’s position of non-alignment has stood the test of time.

Data from the Asia Power Index shows just how successful the Voice of America has been.

A belief in “might is right” is not set in stone – rules in global affairs are shaped by the choices we make.

And other hints for a president – or foreign minister – to write their own talking points

An intangible mix of competency, honesty and commitment is the glue that holds politics, economies and societies together.

Reflections on the quality of sending a message.

Absent Hogwarts’ sorting hat, selection panels can do better.

Carter believed the US should downplay its preoccupation with the Cold War yet setbacks escalated tensions dramatically.

Will small groupings of nations last? Bet on self-interest.

Revealing the who, what and – just as importantly – where of foreign policy.

A confessed speech snob explores the complex anatomy of the perfect address.

How ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand are making progress through informal dialogue.