Waste land

Robert Kaplan’s new book Waste Land explores the world’s current state of ‘permacrisis’ in which a deadly mix of authoritarianism, war, climate change, great power rivalry, rapid technological advancement and countless other dangers cast an ever darkening pall.

Tales of Taiwan

Taiwan has evolved from its autocratic origins to rank as the most democratic nation in Asia, as well as the most economically dynamic, but these attributes have increased China’s determination to crush the former and absorb the latter, the same motivations as Russia’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine.

Enter the dragon

Kevin Rudd’s new book, “On Xi Jinping,” offers insightful analysis of the transformation of Chinese politics, economics, and foreign policy under Xi Jinping’s leadership, highlighting the renewed role of ideology in shaping policy.

Who will defend Europe?

Keir Giles’ “Who Will Defend Europe?” is a well-written and insightful examination of Europe’s parlous security situation, threatened by Putin’s aggression to the East and Trump’s ill-considered isolationism from the West.

Ukraine belongs in NATO

Apologists for Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine point to Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO as justification, but this argument is as fallacious as Putin’s war is brutal.

Taiwan lives

Niki Alsford’s recent book, “Taiwan Lives,” explores how the Taiwanese people have created one of the world’s most high-tech economies, a successful and vibrant democracy, and a distinctive cultural identity.

The political thought of Xi Jinping

Like Vladimir Putin in Russia, Xi Jinping has established himself as China’s absolute dictator but his policies of internal repression and external aggression are motivated by ideology as well as personal power and nationalism.

America alone

America’s foreign policy has always been a battleground between isolationist and internationalist forces, according to Charles Kupchan. The tussle continues to this very day, and could intensify if Donald Trump wins the next US Presidential election.

Homelands – A personal history of Europe

Europe made great progress towards becoming a “whole and free” continent during the 35 years after the collapse of Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine offers another inflection point. In his new book, Timothy Garten Ash argues that a Ukraine victory would offer the opportunity to renew efforts to create a “whole and free” Europe.

Security in China’s shadow

Australia has implemented some effective responses to the challenges posed by China to its security. But Canberra still lacks an overarching China strategy, according to Euan Graham’s new book “Australia’s Security in China’s Shadow”.

China’s hidden hand

A new book by Clive Hamilton and Mareike Ohlberg explores how the Chinese Communist Party’s global influence operations strive to undermine Western democratic institutions.

The rise and fall of the neoliberal order

A new book by Gary Gerstle examines the development of American policy from the New Deal through neo-liberalism and explores the prospects for an uncertain future.