An Australian in Albania

In July of 2019, GAP Intern Sophie Mayo was lucky enough to travel to Albania in Southern Europe for a summer holiday experience slightly off the beaten track.  Albania certainly delivered on her expectations and in this article she reflects on her experiences in the Balkan state.

China’s southward march has little historical foundation

There’s little basis in history or economics for China’s claim to hegemony over the South China Sea or beyond, however much it expands its modern navy.

Navigating global uncertainties in Australia’s back yard

Intensifying great power rivalry in Asia and the Pacific poses an increasing risk to regional prosperity and Australia and its neighbours must step up to strengthen collective leadership.

Morrison warns against ‘negative globalism’

Delivering the Lowy Lecture, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia “cannot afford to leave it to others to set the standards that will shape our global economy”.

The minnow embraces the whale

The Solomon Islands’ embrace of China may bring economic benefits but it also increases the risks of local conflict and the challenges faced by donors from democratic nations.

Russia and China’s different tacks on information warfare

Both Russia and China use social media and propaganda to subvert democratic nations, but they go about their task in different ways.

Australia fronts up at the U.N.

Although most eyes in Australia have been on Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s visit to Washington to meet with US President Donald Trump, it’s not the only game in town.

The Saudi oil strike shows the new way of war

Australia’s defence planners must learn the lessons the attack on Abqaiq teach us about the risks of sticking with traditional mindsets and maintaining old paradigms in the face of rapid changes in warfare.

Boris on the ropes

Boris Johnson’s previously unshakeable public persona has been tainted by the tawdry Brexit spectacle, and he could potentially be the shortest surviving UK prime minister since 1827.

Britain left bereft by Brexit

Whatever sort of Britain emerges from the other side of Brexit, it’ll have a reduced role and reputation in Europe and perhaps the world.

Bringing Hong Kong back from the brink

Hong Kong’s current crisis is the result of the absence of politics. The chief executive and the cabinet were never elected, are unrepresentative and do not have to answer to ordinary Hong Kongers. Average citizens also feel they have no stake in a leadership system that ignores their needs, serves mostly the wealthy elite, and is answerable only to Beijing.

Hong Kong: The canary in the coal mine

Hong Kong continues to be wracked by civil unrest as its people protest against Chinese oppression. How did it come to this, what does it signal, and where is it likely to end?