From invasion to independence

Cruel ironies and strange mirror effects mark Australia’s performance in the lead-up to Indonesia’s invasion, in 1974–75, and East Timor’s independence vote in 1999.

Reimagining the strategic narrative

International strategic thinking aims to balance national economic and security interests, but does this formula actually work if nations like the United States and China insist on misapprehending each other’s motivations and actions?

The perils of the Cold War hangover

The West has done little to oppose the threat to democracy and the rules based order posed by Russia and China in recent years, but the outlook isn’t as bleak as it may appear.

One nation under Boris

After routing the Labour Party in its own heartlands, Boris Johnson has pledged to reshape Tories into a “People’s Party” and build strong new relationships with Europe.

The reign of King Boris

Boris Johnson stormed to a thumping win in the British general election, but how will he achieve his “one nation” agenda after he finally gets Brexit done?

Boris pulls it off

Boris Johnson has roared to a convincing victory in the British general election, confounding his critics, vindicating his vision for Brexit and putting his hard-left Labour opponent Jeremy Corbyn to the sword.

Seven lessons from Syria

Syria is a tragedy, but it is also a symptom of much deeper concerns relating to governance and security around our troubled world.

The sound and fury of Britain’s election

The United Kingdom is counting down to a truly unpredictable election with clearly drawn battle lines between the political parties.

Putin’s ‘new generation’ war on the west

Russia may be in decline, but its aggressive doctrine of strategic relativism means it intends to take much of the rest of the world with it.

Putin bounces back

How does a country with an economy the size of Spain, corruption on a par with Papua New Guinea and life expectancy below Libya still cast a shadow over Europe?

Australia’s diplomatic deficit

Australia is spending less on diplomacy than ever before – and the nation’s influence abroad is suffering as a result.

The danger of keeping quiet

The former Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, explores the need for international collaboration and honesty in dealing with China.