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? 

The gradual withdrawal of the Saudi-led coalition from Yemen and a diplomatic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran suggest a major geopolitical realignment in the Middle East, challenging US influence. This new alignment signals a regional shift towards greater independence, with Riyadh and Tehran turning their focus toward shared challenges and away from antagonistic competition.

South Korea’s traditionally family-run conglomerates, chaebols, play a key role in the development and implementation of national derisking policy. As recent trends showcase, the chaebols often ignore national policies and it is only with the influence of the United States that they have joined onto derisking efforts. 

China’s extensive use of subsidies is a significant driver of global trade tensions, influencing market dynamics and prompting concerns about a potential “subsidy race” among nations. With more anti-dumping measures being taken out against the nation, China may be required to rethink its strategy or lose further trade market share among an increasingly skittish global economy. 

The Laos government has an investment plan that will aid national development and contribute to a broader green energy revolution in Southeast Asia. High debt levels and the promise of ecological destruction along the Mekong has raised concerns, and may prove prohibitive without careful engagement and regional backing. 

Great power conflict may be on the horizon unless more desperate attemps are made to reconcile the challenges Washington and Beijing face in perceptions of the other. A comprehensive appraoch to understanding the other, through high level dialogue, is a necessary start. 

Australia is the only Western liberal democracy that does not have a legislated national Human Rights Act. Should Australia implement a Human Rights Act, and what would the implications be?

On the back of their Strengthened Strategic Partnership, Japan and the Philippines have signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). This indicates the strength and evolution of the security relationship and the approach of both sides to managing regional instability.   

Hungary's Viktor Orbán undertook a rogue “peace mission” in July to “resolve” the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His meetings with Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping, and Donald Trump achieved little except to repudiate the European Union's own position.

China is applying Mahan's geopolitical theory to enhance its maritime dominance, notably through strategic port developments and asserting control over critical maritime chokepoints. It's expanding influence across strategic island chains in the Pacific highlights its efforts to strengthen naval capabilities and economic leverage in the region.