Conflicts across the globe illustrate the devastating humanitarian consequences when urban areas become theatres of war. The use of explosive weapons in these environments carries numerous implications for civilians, including children. What is being done at the international level, and what further action can states take? 

In Canada First, Not Canada Alone, Chapnick and McKercher make a renewed case for understanding Canada’s place in world politics as a principal power. This book explores Canada's evolving role in global politics, highlighting the country's efforts to balance leadership, independence, and alliance-building while navigating historical legacies and modern challenges

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Marles, Wong, and Farrell in Singapore for the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee; Marles and Wong in Auckland for ANZMIN; Wong in Malaysia for Australia-Malaysia Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and more.

A new European Commission – the executive arm of the European Union, which proposes and implements EU law – has just been approved, starting the second term of Ursula von der Leyen as the Commission’s President. Amid external pressures, the rise of populist parties and political fragmentation, can her Commission provide much-needed leadership and direction for Europe?

Despite promising to learn from the events of 7 October, Israeli strategists keep repeating the same dangerous errors. Whatever gains tactical proficiencies and self-confidence have provided for Israel to date, these are no substitutes for sound strategic thinking. 

The Syrian civil war, seemingly frozen in an uneasy deadlock for years, has been reignited with rebel forces wresting Aleppo, the country’s second biggest city, from President Bashar al-Assad ’s grasp. While what happens next is uncertain, the ongoing conflict is likely set to drag on with unpredictable consequences for years to come.

The AI Act is a step in the right direction but has too many flaws to set an endpoint in the discussion on how to regulate AI. It should therefore be seen and employed as the beginning of a more sophisitcated approach, and one not to be dictated by technical developments.

The COP29 negotiations in Baku concluded amid walkouts, protests, and an all-too-familiar sense of frustration over unfulfilled climate finance promises. This year's summit revealed deep-seated issues in mobilising adequate resources for climate action, particularly for developing nations.

Despite their reliance on multilateralism when pushing for greater climate action, Pacific Island States have become less willing to recognise the right to self-determination of other vulnerable groups at the UN. This shift in voting erodes norms around global solidarity and may prove ultimately self-sabotaging.

Australia and New Zealand engage in wide-ranging daily cooperation, but seldom refer to the alliance between them. Has the alliance become irrelevant? Or is it so taken-for-granted, and the habits of cooperation so entrenched, that it is seen as unnecessary to emphasise it?