Turn and face the strange

While some of the worst fears around COVID-19 haven’t come to pass, the world has still been turned upside down over the course of the last year.

Saving democracy in Burma

Academics from UNSW Sydney have joined international colleagues in condemning this month’s military coup in Myanmar, saying the justifications for the action are not supported by events or the constitution.

Navalny sheds light on dark corners

The cynical imprisonment of Alexei Navalny won’t secure the future of Vladimir Putin’s brutal dictatorship for long.

The future of the ANZUS alliance

In 2021, the ANZUS alliance will have been in place for 70 years. However, in the wake of Biden’s recent inauguration as the 46th president of the United States, the alliance is experiencing challenges not seen in the past.

Counterpoint by Mark Nicol – Alexei Navalny – The fight for humanity

Protests against the jailing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny are growing in Russia, but the movement for democracy needs the support of both Russians and the West to face down the brutal dictatorship of Vladimir Putin.

The Liberal Party’s struggles with multilateralism

Although the Liberal Party is a staunch supporter of Australia’s security alliances, its faith in the United Nations has ebbed and flowed over the years.

The Australia–Thailand strategic partnership

The Australia–Thailand strategic partnership builds on shared history, common geography, overlapping interests and mutual strategic concerns.

Europe after Trump

Decision makers and opinion formers in Europe viewed the Trump presidency with increasing apprehension and disquiet, but problems and issues will remain long after Biden takes office.

The “scrooge effect” on foreign affairs

DFAT has built an admirable record in navigating the rapids of international diplomacy over the last 50 years, but gradual cuts in funding can only undermine its future efficacy.

Defending or undermining rules-based order?

Australia’s prime minister was awarded the “Grotius Prize” for supporting the rules-based order. However, it is debatable whether Australia is living up to Grotian ideals.

Multilateralism à la carte

Much has been written about the changing international order and the ‘crisis’ of multilateralism in recent months. The winds of change have been howling, and it’s time for Australia to step up to the challenge.

Reshaping the future of international economic governance

Developments in international economic law could alter Australia’s relationship with China and other key trading partners, says UNSW Law’s Professor Heng Wang.