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.

Biden in Asia

Joe Biden’s immediate priority following his inauguration on 20 January 2021 will be domestic, difficult and crisis-driven, but Biden will begin his foreign policy by re-entering the world.

Australia – The hapless country?

On climate change and Australia’s geopolitical future, political time is running out. Whatever the sentiment before this summer’s horrific fires, the political pressure on Morrison’s febrile coalition has increased dramatically.

Strengthening Australian leadership in regional institutions

The Australian prime minister’s first foreign policy speech last week repositioned Australia as a creative middle power that seeks to develop a regional security architecture. For this he deserves credit, though the test is to realise these ambitions.

Opportunity knocks for Australian MSEs in Asia

The rapidly expanding Asian economy offers unprecedented opportunity for Australia’s mid-sized enterprises. Valentin Henrio considers the possibilities.