Two into one won’t go

Lucy Bradlow and Bronwen Bock, have announced that they will run as job-sharing independent candidates for the inner-Melbourne federal seat of Higgins but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to do so.

Women still see politics as a male-dominated domain

Despite growing momentum to increase female representation in Australia’s national parliament, it continues to be a male dominated domain. New research from Monash University explores why young women still feel reluctant to become a member of the national parliament.

Reforming public service leadership

Australia’s public service needs a more robust system for decision-making and policy planning to navigate increasing complexities and become more resilient to change.

Fear and loathing in Australia

Successive federal governments have called into question the values that lie at the very heart of Australia’s hard-won and cherished democratic freedoms.

Understanding “strategic culture”

Michael O’Keefe’s new book on Australian foreign policy making offers a detailed overview of Australia’s main diplomatic relationships and strategic culture.

Popping the populism bubble

From the storming of the US Capitol on the January 6 2021, to the similar uprising in Brazil in 2023, far-right politicians are infringing on democratic ideals across the world. If we are serious about meeting the challenge they pose, we must stop treating them as legitimate, democratic actors and instead see them as the threat they really are.

The underfunding of Australian diplomacy

Spending on Australian diplomacy has reached new lows, meaning important events, meetings, and committees are being missed or attended by interns, and Australians are still waiting for the Albanese government to do something about it.

United we stand

A whole-of-nation approach to international policy must value diversity and continuously shifting consensus while recognising that Australia is stronger internationally if it has a common voice.

Women in politics

Despite Australia’s claim to egalitarianism, achieving equal political participation and representation remains a formidable challenge for women.

Listen to the people

Although he once quipped that “You can never plan the future by the past” could the work of 18th-century political theorist Edmund Burke, famed for his cautionary take on the French Revolution, help modern democracies escape their current malaise?

Ranking Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison, Australia’s 30th prime minister, will soon deliver his valedictory speech to the House of Representatives. As Morrison leaves parliament, it’s timely to ask where he is placed in the pantheon of Australia’s national leaders.

Corruption watch

The National Anti-Corruption Commission will provide guidance on “corruption vulnerabilities” ahead of next year’s federal election, given increasing public concern on the issue.