Topic-Politics

Competence in a crisis: the new marker of soft power in a chaotic world

Aside from its devastating human impact, COVID-19 has revealed deep social, economic and political fault lines in and across the global system. How states and other global actors engage in this system and the extent to which they mine, obscure or seek to bridge emerging fault lines for advantage will reflect on their soft power. Read More

Xi’s thoughtful, constructive approach emphasises common future

Colin Mackerras, shares his insights on Xi Jinping's speech, given on Sept 23 at the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Read More

Yes government debt is cheap, but that doesn’t mean it comes risk-free

Professor Tony Makin says that while a strong response to the COVID19 pandemic has been necessary, it has come with costs. These have been huge budget deficits and sky-high government debt. Read More

Weekly Pacific Bulletin | 23 September

TESS NEWTON CAIN  |  Fallout in Samoa after Deputy Prime Minister resigns In Samoa, the Prime Minister, Tuialepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has said… Read More

As US-China ties worsen, India and China must revisit the ‘Bandung spirit’ to avert a new cold war

While Beijing does not intend to get involved in an ideological battle with Washington, all of Asia risks getting caught up in their strategic competition China and India took part in the 1955 Bandung Conference. Now they must reignite that spirit and look towards peaceful coexistence among nations Read More

Can we use the RAAF to bring home stranded Aussies overseas?

Amid mounting concern about Australians stranded overseas during COVID-19, Labor leader Anthony Albanese has offered a solution, using the Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) VIP aircraft to bring people home. Read More

Weekly Pacific Bulletin | 16 September

TESS NEWTON CAIN  |  Papua New Guinea seeks further loans for economic bailout Papua New Guinea has passed a supplementary budget. The Treasurer,… Read More

A look ahead to the independence referendum in New Caledonia

On 4 October, New Caledonians will vote in a referendum on self-determination, to determine the islands’ future political status. On the referendum in New Caledonia by Nic Maclellan Read More

Regional wrap | 58

Asia Regional Wrap with Aakriti Bachhawat. Fresh troubles along the India-China border. Australian journalists evacuated from China Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to step down. Read More

Southeast Asia Snapshot #2

A wrap up on the fortnight that was in South East Asia by Dr Lucy West. Dengue outbreak complicates South East Asia’s COVID-19 response. Myanmar soldiers confirm atrocities against Rohingya. Read More