Why Taiwan matters

The fate of Taiwan is not a peripheral issue but sits at the intersection of global trade, advanced technology, democratic values and regional security. As China gears up for its long-threatened invasion, what happens there will shape Australia’s prosperity, security and way of life for decades.

Sleeping in the driver’s seat

Older women’s homelessness confronts Australia with an uncomfortable truth – the line between “secure” and “homeless” has become thin enough that a respectable life can fall through it quickly.

Will the Iran war make or break Trump’s legacy?

Is it possible in the midst of the Iran war to extrapolate the domestic political consequences for the United States and the popularity and legacy of President Donald Trump?

The end of April Fools

In a social media world full of misinformation, actual events and shameless people more ludicrous than any satire, and critics eager to be offended by everything, the power of April Fools pranks to amuse is not what it used to be.

Australia outperforms China in the Pacific

Australia has been accused of “neglect” and “stupor” when it comes to the Pacific. Some even claim Australia has “lost” the Pacific to China, but while there is always room for improvement, Australia does a lot more than China in the Pacific.

Friend and foe

Australia needs to reject the false binary between economic engagement and strategic competition with China. It’s possible – and necessary – to do both.

Why do people panic buy?

As fears over fuel supply ripple through Australia, UNSW Business School experts say panic buying is driven as much by instinct and expectations as by actual shortages.

Remembering 3/11

Disaster resilience is often understood in terms of physical measures such as seawalls, evacuation routes, and reinforced buildings. Yet storytelling plays a critical role in preserving lived experience, helping communities remain aware of risks even as landscapes and generations change.

Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary is more than just an epic adventure film with beautiful visuals. It’s a story that reminds us how important our world is – and how vital science is to our continued existence on it.

The quiet frontline

The current war in the middle east is already affecting Australian fuel supplies, increasing a general sense of social and individual anxiety, but some simple steps can help people keep things in perspective.

The illusion of competence

80% of Australian undergraduates are using AI to do their work and complete their assessments, negating the need for actual learning and eroding their ability to think for themselves.

What’s the point of trying any more?

Companies such as Atlassian, Block and Amazon are sacking thousands of employees in their rush to embrace AI, and while other factors are also at play, young people are right to worry about their future.