This week in Australian foreign affairs: Marles visits new US Defense Secretary Hegseth in Washington D.C.; Wong announces new sanctions on white supremacist terror group, and others; President of the Republic of Palau Surangel S. Whipps Jr visits Australia, and more.

By examining other territorial name disputes worldwide, we know that renaming the Gulf of Mexico could potentially promote division, identity politics, and undemocratic practices. These changes could develop into a new and existential threat for the USA.

Donald Trump seems to be turning tariffs, which can serve as a legitimate tool to achieve the goals of fair trade and the protection of key national security interests, into an illegitimate tool of coercive statecraft. It is likely to undermine the global economic order and US soft-power influence across the world

Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs on Canada signal a dramatic rupture in the decades-long economic and strategic partnership between the two countries, undermining trust and stability in North American trade. As Canada braces for potential economic retaliation, the broader message to US allies is clear—no relationship is immune from Trump’s zero-sum approach to global trade and diplomacy.

Trump’s second term will see renewed pressure on Mexico over immigration, trade, and security, but Mexico's growing economic and strategic importance limits how far the US can act unilaterally. While Trump seeks to impose tariffs and toughen immigration policies, Mexico’s government under Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is prepared to push back, leveraging trade dependencies and regional cooperation to negotiate better terms.

Japan has experienced three major earthquakes in the past 100 years. In an era of frequent natural disasters, Japan’s unique disaster prevention park system has received renewed attention as a means of transmitting disaster memories to the next generation. 

Ukraine’s e-governance platform, “Diia,” has proven essential during the war, showcasing the power of digital innovation and resilience. Australia can learn from Ukraine to strengthen its digital infrastructure, improve public trust, and ensure strength in future crises.

The unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict, compounded by shifting regional dynamics and US-Israeli policies, demands a reassessment of leadership and strategy. With the two-state solution under threat and rising tensions involving Iran and its proxies, the question remains whether current leaders can navigate a sustainable path to peace.

The two-state solution is no longer viable, and Australia must rethink its approach to Israel-Palestine in line with its evolving values and demographics. Instead of privileging one ethno-religious group, Australia should advocate for a single democratic framework ensuring equality and shared sovereignty for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Those suffering from acronym fatigue will scarcely welcome any new minilateral grouping in the Indo-Pacific. Yet an Australia-Japan-Korea trilateral shows signs of gathering momentum.