In just two years, Javier Milei, a political outsider and best known for his YouTube and TikTok virals, managed to create his own political party and defeat the most powerful political machine in Argentine history. Milei's resounding success can be explained by three main factors.

Although suffering a political backlash in the 2020 and 2022 presidential elections, Trumpism and Bolsonarism remains alive and well. The sweeping victory of Xavier Milei in Argentina, and with Geer Wilders at a striking distance from power in the Netherlands, the stage is set to re-energise far-right political ideals globally. 

Krishnan Nayar’s big history exemplifies our general willingness to take positions on national histories and political arrangements without bothering to study them first. This quasi-Marxist polemic brushes over history and leaves the reader unfulfilled. 

Australians are increasingly at risk of disinformation campaigns, many of which have rapidly escalated on social media platforms like TikTok in recent years. A serious discussion needs to be had on the unfettered influences these platforms can have and how their worst effects can be mitigated. 

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Strategic Partnership with the Philippines; upcoming second AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting; $12 million for HIV prevention initiative; and more.

Thailand's pro-democracy advocates may be idealists, but they are also realists with an active and popular movement. Their political claims are based on a way of thinking that centres on a notion of a better and fairer society first sought and won in 1932. 

The recent election results in New Zealand illustrate the clear divisions between the parties on economic issues, the environment, indigenous rights, and how open the economy should be. The centre-right, three-party coalition between National Party, Act Party, and New Zealand First will need to cross these divisions if it is to be successful. 

Australia faces the new abnormality of a long-term weather system where geoeconomics and “sloppy protectionism” predominates. Navigating the “polycrisis” will require diversification and slightly more than simply hoping Washington will steady the ship of political upheaval.

Todays youth will be the ones to deal with the climate challenges of unfettered growth and capitalism. Making sure they are at the table in political discussions is imperative.

The current approach of the Arab League to Israel-Palestine issues serves more as a diplomatic veneer rather than a catalyst for meaningful change in the region. The search by some for normalisation of ties with Israel has for the time being prevented a broader barrier to tangible outcomes.