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.

Arvanitakis on American Politics: This week’s controversies, chaos and why Trump keeps his base

This week’s events in the United States once again highlight how the Trump Administration continues to move from chaos to controversy (and back).

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.

Arvanitakis on American politics: Five types of Trump supporters

Despite the impeachment controversy, distinct groups of American voters remain staunch supporters of President Donald Trump, albeit for quite different reasons.

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.

Will Bloomberg’s bid for the Democratic nomination have an impact?

Given his enormous wealth and power, Bloomberg’s decision to contest the Democratic nomination shifts the balance within the party as it chooses a candidate to take on President Trump.