10 Jul 2023
French fragmentation
Unpopular for peculiar reasons, Emmanuel Macron grapples with a parade of populists and a nation divided by grievance.
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10 Jul 2023
Military hospital ships from China and the US are plying across Pacific Islands. But this growing competition can do more harm than good
Large white hulled ships are big public relations yet do little to address significant health system issues in the region. -
10 Jul 2023
The Quad: Tackling the spider, not cobwebs, in cyberspace
A security pact, but not as we know it. How a commitment to uplift software security will reap benefits for all. -
7 Jul 2023
Geopolitical duel in the Pacific: Solomon Islands security at risk as Australia and China compete
Honiara has successfully leveraged strategic competition to meet its security interests but there are worrying signs of friction. -
7 Jul 2023
Timor-Leste: Breaking free from temptation of easy money
The Gusmão-led government has a raft of development challenges and cannot afford to rely solely on oil and gas. -
7 Jul 2023
Paris climate summit: A new global financing pact takes shape
A failure? More a disappointment, and rich nations are at least starting to recognise a growing legitimacy deficit across the Global South. -
6 Jul 2023
Economic diplomacy: Power shifts with Jakarta
Australia and Indonesia may be riding together in a new electric diplomatic limo, but they still have separate roadmaps. -
6 Jul 2023
“An awkward photo‑op”: Japan’s persistent gender problem
A summit blunder begs the question of how women can fight for equality when they’re not even at the table. -
6 Jul 2023
Australia’s absent ambassador must return to Ukraine
If the PM won’t provide more than a few military off-casts in support, sending back the top envoy should be an easy step. -
5 Jul 2023
Stumped by the cricket controversy? Here’s how sport and politics collide
When PMs weigh in on the “spirit”, you might start to wonder about the effect on oft-cited shared values. -
5 Jul 2023
Don’t believe the hype: the many futures of AI
Is generative artificial intelligence the source of a utopian future, or will it become the author of its own destruction? -
5 Jul 2023
The Fix: Backflips and realignments
In this new Interpreter feature, we’re inviting short observations about issues or resources that might otherwise be missed. -
5 Jul 2023
The downsides for Australia from the US‑PNG defence agreement
Sovereignty concerns about the American deal will create additional hurdles for Australia-PNG Defence Treaty currently under negotiation. -
4 Jul 2023
Suspicious minds: Will closer Australia‑Indonesia engagement yield greater trust?
Despite the flourishing bromance between Albanese and Jokowi, the Lowy Institute Poll shows an ongoing need to deepen public understanding and familiarity on both sides. -
4 Jul 2023
Reforming Australia’s trading system – a long hard slog but worth the effort
Confidence in the quality of traded goods and services relies on certification that agreed standards are met. That’s a regulation challenge, too. -
4 Jul 2023
From hydrocarbons to hydrogen? Gulf states seek the good oil in green transition
The region that has long dominated global energy politics is well placed to shape a shift to new supplies. -
4 Jul 2023
How Maldives is adapting to a changing security climate – and where Australia benefits
A small player facing big problems looks to old friends and new for help. -
3 Jul 2023
Jokowi’s visit to Australia is about much more than electric vehicles
The President has a roadmap for economic success that could also set bilateral relations on the right path. -
3 Jul 2023
Unleashing chaos: Nova Kakhovka Dam destruction threatens global food security
The collapse of critical hydroelectric infrastructure will have devastating knock-on effects for Europe’s breadbasket. -
3 Jul 2023
China’s answer to Top Gun is a flat spin
Hardly the touted blockbuster, Born To Fly is more dreary vanity flight than rousing nationalist paean. -
30 Jun 2023
Globalisation promised growth. Now emerging economies need a new path
Rising trade barriers and financial stress has upended the idea that a free and open world economy will bring prosperity. -
30 Jun 2023
The looming fate of Fukushima’s contaminated water
Environmental concerns in the Pacific also come with political risks for Japan’s prime minister. -
30 Jun 2023
How Australia can leverage France’s Indo-Pacific presence
A tumultuous couple of years in relations can settle to a new acceptance – seeing opportunities as well as risks. -
29 Jun 2023
Better late than never: Vietnam releases 2021–30 power plan
Just don’t expect coal to be out of the energy mix quite yet. -
29 Jun 2023
Bougainville – What’s next?
The 2019 referendum saw an overwhelming vote for independence, but the outcome is still unclear. -
28 Jun 2023
Pragmatism rules the public outlook on Australia-China relations
The 2023 Lowy Institute Poll shows the tenor of debate can influence perceptions of opportunity and threat. -
28 Jun 2023
The Fix: What has meaning
A new Interpreter feature inviting short observations about events, essays or episodes that might otherwise be missed. -
28 Jun 2023
Replenishing the Green Climate Fund
Delivering on a promise to help developing countries meet climate challenges remains critical. -
27 Jun 2023
China’s double wedge against efforts to foster Vietnam-US relations
Just as Beijing seeks to coerce Hanoi in the South China Sea, it warns about Washington’s intentions closer to home. -
27 Jun 2023
To balance the Quad equation, India and Australia must drive an “Indo” focus
The Bay of Bengal is an emerging hotspot for non-traditional security challenges that cross the entire region. -
27 Jun 2023
Mongolia in the middle: China and Russia may split over the allure of renewables
With an abundance of solar and wind power, the landlocked East Asian country is set to impact Sino-Russian relations. -
26 Jun 2023
Australians stand with Ukraine – but attention won’t last indefinitely
The latest Lowy Poll should be a warning about the risk of not debating the end goal in a conflict. -
26 Jun 2023
Prigozhin’s mutiny: What does it mean for Putin – and Russia?
A bizarre and audacious rebellion by the Kremlin’s own hired mercenaries has irrevocably weakened the regime. -
26 Jun 2023
After the meltdown: Sri Lanka’s strategic options
With its economic and political crisis in the rear-view mirror, Colombo has the chance to reposition itself regionally. -
24 Jun 2023
What does Wagner’s revolt mean for the future of Russia?
The most serious challenge to Putin’s authority yet – even if crushed – has already done significant harm to the elite structures of the Russian Federation. -
23 Jun 2023
Perceptions and trust: Chinese views of Canada and Australia amid geopolitical tensions
New data reveals lingering resentments as well as ongoing opportunities. -
23 Jun 2023
Bracing for 3000 Pacific Engagement Visas
Australia’s new permanent resident scheme must prioritise the people of the Blue Pacific who will be most impacted. -
23 Jun 2023
Low Earth orbit: The next frontier
A new book explores how power plays in space are destined to become an extension of cold geopolitical logic. -
22 Jun 2023
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: Why and why now?
Putin’s desire to bring Ukraine back into the fold is mired in imperial nostalgia and bitter resentment. -
22 Jun 2023
Lowy Poll 2023: Australians still jittery about China in the Pacific
Just like Pacific nations themselves, the public are waiting to see pledges by new government translated into outcomes. -
22 Jun 2023
Why the Pakistan crisis spells trouble for our region
Political and economic upheaval, and a growing list of creditors, mean Islamabad has few friends to call on. -
21 Jun 2023
O'Farrell leaves India with ties to Australia at a high point
The incoming High Commissioner has big shoes to fill after a remarkable time of rekindled relations. -
21 Jun 2023
The Fix: Spies and ties
In this new Interpreter feature, we’re inviting short observations about issues or resources that might otherwise be missed. -
21 Jun 2023
The “somewhat” conundrum: Lack of communication bedevils AUKUS support
The latest Lowy Institute Poll reveals Australians are no more convinced about the merits of the subs deal than last year. -
20 Jun 2023
Is the Gorkha’s place in India’s history about to change?
A new scheme for Nepalese recruits breaks a 75-year tradition and is straining relations between the two countries. -
20 Jun 2023
Chemical weapons: Impunity is killing deterrence
Poisoning continues as a favoured form of invisible warfare meted out by dictators and autocrats, with horrific results. -
20 Jun 2023
Build a wall: Kim Jong‑un’s social revolution
Taking its lead from the hermit state’s first leader, North Korea may be heading towards totalitarian rule. -
19 Jun 2023
Will Modi charm again in Washington?
The Indian PM’s visit will see Biden embrace a polarising leader while trying to keep an influential diaspora onside. -
19 Jun 2023
Acting East on the seas: India’s naval cooperation with ASEAN
Strengthening defence ties is smooth sailing compared to wider regional integration efforts by New Delhi with Southeast Asia. -
19 Jun 2023
Uncertainty in New Caledonia
France is threatening to resolve key issues on New Caledonia’s future unilaterally if local parties cannot agree.