Crisis? What crisis? Aristocratic terrorism

In a new 3-part series, Bernard Cordon argues the Chicago school of monetarist economics in the 1970s and the neo-liberal political movement which followed in the 1980s set the scene for Donald Trump’s thuggish dismantling of the USA today.

Beasts, slaves and Gods

Aristotle’s seminal work on “Politics” contains wisdom and warnings for our modern age in which the promise of a technological utopia is being used to normalise jaw dropping disempowerment and inequality.

Jumping ship

Defections are fairly common in Australian politics. But history shows they are rarely a good career move.

The golden age of the gaffe

Though trivial in themselves, a politician’s “gaffe” can hint at much greater political failings, but the media’s eagerness to pounce on missteps rather than analyse policy substance may be a bigger problem.

America v America

A new book, The Forever War, argues that America’s extreme polarisation has been 250 years in the making as the roots of its modern-day malaise can be found in its troubled and unresolved past.

McKinnon Prize shortlist reflects the changing face of Australian politics

The McKinnon Prize, an independent and non-partisan award for outstanding political leadership, has announced the shortlist for its annual awards, with a diverse range of political figures put forward for the award.

Union sundown

The Falepili Union and previous flexible sovereignty arrangements show potential for innovation even as the Pacific faces serious and complex challenges, originating from both within and outside the region.

Will Labor’s slide continue into 2024?

In less than two years, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has gone from clear choice to fighting for majority support in the polls. What happened and will he fight back next year?

Fear, uncertainty and doubt

Politics is a people business, and appealing to emotions – or ignorance – can be more effective than rational, fact based campaigns.

Does politics let down the people?

While Australians remain strong supporters of democracy, criticisms of the political system which delivers and administers it continue to mount, so what are the problems and what can be done to solve them?

The rise and fall of the neoliberal order

A new book by Gary Gerstle examines the development of American policy from the New Deal through neo-liberalism and explores the prospects for an uncertain future.

Aston loss piles pressure on Dutton

Labor’s triumph in the Aston by-election is the first time in a century that a government has gained a seat at a federal byelection, and increases the pressure on Peter Dutton’s Liberal leadership.