Women in diplomacy

Australia has made remarkable strides in gender equality in diplomacy, achieving near parity in its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, globally, women remain underrepresented in diplomacy, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address gender disparities and ensure equal representation worldwide.

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.

Hostage diplomacy

It’s time for Beijing to stop assuming it can worry Australia, and start worrying about what Australia might do. We can start by fighting for justice for Yang Hengjun and defend our democratic sovereignty.

In the house of pooh bear

Tensions appear to be easing between Australia and China, but the Prime Minister must remember that pulling punches on international security in the hope of frictionless diplomacy and short-term economic gain only teaches authoritarian states that aggression and coercion are effective.

Diplomacy and defence must work together

Strong diplomacy is crucial to avoid conflict, and the Australian Defence Force must operate within an envelope created and expanded by the nation’s diplomatic efforts, says ADF chief Angus Campbell.

Technological diplomacy

Diplomacy is needed to manage governance and security in cyberspace, and so diplomats must better engage with the big technology and internet companies.

Building bridges

Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles will travel to Europe for separate ‘2+2’ meetings with their French and British counterparts this week.

Advice for the Ambassador

Australia’s former Ambassador to the United States Kim Beazley offers some sage advice to his successor, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

AI takes on the great game

Computers have beat any human at chess, and now AI may be able to outperform humans at the great game of diplomacy.

Pacific islands bask in the global spotlight

Alarmed by China’s rise, traditional powers are now stepping up their engagement with the Pacific region to actively compete with China.

When girls run the world

The Girls Run The World program facilitates young women completing placements in diplomatic missions across Canberra and looks to address the critical underrepresentation of women in diplomacy.

The power of Indigenous diplomacy

Australia’s Indigenous nations have their own traditions of relationship-building and diplomacy which could help strengthen our ties with the Pacific.