The United States and Russia must overcome their Soviet-era differences, resolve their standoffs diplomatically, and work for the global commons. The meeting between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin at the Geneva Summit is a good step.

The geographic terms “Israel” and “Palestine” have a long history and specific connotations for Jews and Arabs with respect to their competing claims to the same land. The only way forward for Jewish Israelis and Palestinian Arabs is to cease looking backwards.

Sexual violence is used during times of armed conflict as a tactical or strategic tool to intimidate, insult, incapacitate, and injure. It affects individuals, but also their families, communities, and the entire society.

Also discussed in this episode: Scott Morrison's Perth speech; Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's advice on improving Australia's relations with China; the free trade agreement with the UK; and Australia's relationship with France. 

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Morrison at the G7 Plus, steps towards an Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, Payne and Dutton meet with their German counterparts, Hawke on the ‘Biloela family’, and more.

The hot air generated by G7 leaders at the weekend talkfest arguably would have sustained a dozen soaring thermal balloons. But how far did G7 talks in Cornwall succeed in achieving the summit’s overblown aims?

China has adopted a “salami slicing” tactic on the Himalaya, while New Delhi has adopted a tit-for-tat strategy to resist Beijing’s ambitions. A stable border equilibrium will occur when the two countries align their views on the legitimacy of the Line of Actual Control.

The good news for the Lebanese people right now is that vaccination rates are rising and COVID-19 infections and deaths are falling. This good news is needed, with Lebanon in the grip of economic and financial crisis.

In early 2021, Iranian Ali Fazeli Monfared, was allegedly beheaded by his relatives for being gay. His relatives found out about Ali’s sexuality because he had disclosed his “mental illness”—homosexuality—in order to be exempt from compulsory military service.

The closing days of the Trump administration raised serious questions about American democracy. Should lingering political problems in the United States prompt Australia to rethink its position towards its most important ally?