Rethinking Pax Americana

The United States is behaving erratically and imprudently, not least by lashing out at its allies and partners and by confusing financial markets, as Trump rails at what he sees as foreign freeloading on American might.

Caught between two giants

Australia’s foreign policy has balanced pragmatism in dealing with powerful, but authoritarian China and loyalty to the liberal west, led by the USA, but Donald Trump’s transactional diplomacy may force a reappraisal.

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.

The horror of dealing with Trump

Former Australian defence minister Christoper Pyne has compared the experience of dealing with US President Donald Trump’s administration to watching the supernatural horror film The Conjuring.

Three different views from Shangri-La

The optimism expressed by Kevin Rudd about the ‘Asian Century’ and close relations with China has been tempered in recent years by a more realistic appraisal of China’s true intentions and the need to protect Australia through stronger ties to traditional allies.

Penny Wong’s Pacific scorecard

With Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the helm of foreign policy, the Albanese government has set a strong standard for rebuilding diplomatic ties with Australia’s nearest neighbors in the South Pacific.

America’s illusion of grand strategy

Richard Hanania, the author of Public Choice Theory and the Illusion of American Grand Strategy, argues that America’s international strategy is shaped by political pressures at home as much as threats and developments abroad.

The four ages of American foreign policy

Michael Mandelbaum’s latest book takes readers through America’s rise from settler-nation to superpower over the past 250 years.

Labor refreshes foreign policy

Over a hundred days into Labor’s Federal term, have there been changes of style or substance in Australia’s foreign policy?

Reopening to the world beyond COVID

Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton’s flight path on the way to Washington for the annual AUSMIN meeting with their American counterparts provides an insight into Australia’s policy directions and relationships as we look to open up to the world over 2022.

A closer look at foreign policy research

The best research think tanks produce is often work no one will fund. If it breaks new ground it’s often difficult to convince potential funders of its merit.

Defending or undermining rules-based order?

Australia’s prime minister was awarded the “Grotius Prize” for supporting the rules-based order. However, it is debatable whether Australia is living up to Grotian ideals.