Pakistan has been independent for 75 years. However, the country is still plagued by deep structural problems that have hindered its political and economic development. 

Fiona Hill fears that American politics will head in a Russian-style authoritarian direction unless it can restore the infrastructure of opportunity.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Wong addresses ASEAN-Australia Ministerial Meeting; Wong meets with Blinken and Yoshimasa in Phnom Penh; statement on Chinese missiles launched around Taiwan’s coastline; Farrell visits the US; Marles hosts ROK counterpart in Canberra; Conroy visits Solomon Islands; and more.

Though Australia’s regional strategy increasingly focuses on the Pacific, regional leaders have grown distrustful of Canberra. Proactive climate policy may win some back.

The P5’s veto power has disempowered general consensus and subjugated member states, creating unequal nations in an institution of equals. It is time for change.

The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment is a new G7 initiative. Following the lead of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the program has the potential to benefit developing and developed countries alike.

Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed by a drone strike late last month. While his death is significant, it is unlikely to be the death knell of his terrorist network.

Lithuania’s attempts to ban the passage of sanctioned goods to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad has provoked Putin’s ire. Though the resulting crisis has been complex, Vilnius may have emerged as the loser.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Vladimir Putin in Sochi this week. As the two nations agreed to boost cooperation, Turkey once more finds itself balanced precariously between Russia and the West.

The resignation of Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi elicited concern from many pundits. Although Italy’s future may be uncertain, it will not stray from democracy.