Fighting fire with fire

California Governor Gavin Newsom has adopted a Trump-style, high-intensity propaganda strategy—complete with trolling, mock slogans, and theatrical ridicule—positioning himself as a bold counterforce in America’s fractured political arena. His brazen tactics energise Democrats but risk backlash from Trump loyalists, raising the question of whether sharp satire can truly sway minds in an age of polarised “truths” and emotional politics.

Nations, states and empires

John A. Hall’s Nations, States and Empires paints a grim picture of a world in the grip of authoritarian powers determined to increase their power and influence with no regard for international law or democratic norms.

Under siege

The growing cyber, foreign interference, and disinformation threat from hostile state and non-state actors motivates a call for Australia to use all tools of statecraft to help shape the information space.

A voice for the nation

Australia should make better use of the ABC to promote its values and image abroad.

Information, disinformation and democracy in a volatile world

We need to focus on the hard business of cyber defence as well as long-term trust-building and real-time information interventions to counter the attacks of hostile states on our democracy.

A better way to stay connected with the South Pacific

DFAT’s new Office of the Pacific is being established to provide whole-of-government coordination, and is inviting secondments from the nation’s defence and security agencies. Hopefully, it will also reach out more widely to develop a meaningful communication strategy for Pacific engagement.