World Bank in the dock over corruption

The World Bank is being accused of suppressing a study which showed that a great deal of aid to the poorest countries is stolen by corrupt officials and salted away in foreign bank accounts.

The push and pull in Australian-Indian relations

The India–Australia strategic partnership has grown rapidly over the last few years, driven by shared concerns about China’s rise and its strategic implications for the Asia Pacific order.

Jokowi’s visit shows the power of personal diplomacy

There always will be ample scope for conflict in Australia–Indonesia relations, due to different political and cultural priorities, but when conflict does arise, the ability of leaders to talk frankly and limit the fallout can prove pivotal.

The circus moves on

The impeachment trial of President Trump has ended with his exoneration. Without question the process has damaged the American political system. It won’t break it, but it will test it.

Russia and China’s assault on international human rights

Russia and China have waged a decade-long campaign to dismantle the global human rights order, setting an example which despots and aspiring dictators around the world are only too happy to follow.

The nine lives of an Australian diplomat

Richard Gate’s memoirs are a fascinating overview of his overseas postings. From his upbringing to his posting in post-war South Korea, this book is a realistic portrayal of diplomacy and foreign policy.

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.