Walking the walk on values with China

As long as the Australian government claims to be ‘a determined advocate of liberal institutions, universal values and human rights’, as it did in its recent 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper, there should be some evidence that we’re prepared to confront China’s ever more draconian censorship.

Career, culture and character: New Zealand’s three women Prime Ministers

When Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand’s Prime Minister in 2017, not only was she the youngest PM in 150 years, but she was also the country’s third female leader. When it comes to women in politics in general, there seems to be a lot that we could learn from our neighbours.

Liberal democracy: just one option among many?

Democracy appears to be on the retreat around the world and the rise of economically successful authoritarian states is undermining the assumption that political and economic freedom are essential partners for national success.

What does the 2018 budget mean for society?

While its tax cuts appeal to middle class Australians ahead of a federal election, the new budget has not delivered results for the nation’s most disadvantaged people.

Good in parts – Science and the Federal Budget

Australian academics and scientists analyse the budget’s impact on research, health, infrastructure, education and the environment.

When muscles trump morals: The politics of ‘manliness’

Donald Trump openly boasts about his power over women and his political opponents, but what role does this ‘macho’ approach leave for morality in leadership?

Fighting the shift from services to tax cuts

The Australian Council of Social Service has criticised the Treasurer’s announcement that he will not pursue an increase in the Medicare Levy to help fund the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The big chill in Australian-Chinese relations

A fifth ‘ice age’ has descended on China–Australia relations — cooling business, frosting diplomacy and chilling strategic perspectives.

Shining a spotlight into dark corners of government corruption

Anti-corruption strategies require broader regulatory and institutional reforms and so the IMF Executive Board has just endorsed a new framework for stepping up engagement on governance and corruption in its member countries.

New roles for the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth has been in the news as the Games end on the Gold Coast and attention shifts to the Heads of Government Meeting in London. It makes a good time to consider the significance of this multilateral forum in today’s international affairs.

No laughing matter: “The Death of Stalin” highlights Putin’s anxieties

Armando Ianucci’s dark comedy The Death of Stalin has caused controversy in Russia, but the official ban on the film reveals how much Vladimir Putin fears losing his iron grip on power.

Are Australians ready to embrace libertarianism?

How much influence does libertarianism have on Australian politics? The first thing to know is that the Australian political system has very few libertarians in it.