Mid-July 2024 saw two major events on China’s economic and trade sectors, the first with the Third Party Plenum (TPP) in Beijing, and the second with the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) ninth biannual review of China’s trade policy. Countries around the world, including Australia, are deeply interested in how China’s economic trajectory will forge international trade relations into the future.

Policymakers in the “Five Eyes” countries seem to have concluded that China represents a significant security threat. But do their publics agree?

In the last 18 months, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and sought an arrest warrant for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Does the failure to arrest or prosecute former Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir offer any insights to the likelihood of prosecuting Putin or Netanyahu?

Months after his defeat in July’s National Assembly elections, French President Emmanuel Macron has finally appointed a new prime minister and government. Meanwhile, New Caledonia’s crisis has continued—with regional implications for Australia and Pacific neighbours.

The International Criminal Court aspires to hold all leaders accountable for serious international crimes. But thus far, the Court has only been successful in helping dictators punish their political opponents, leading many to ask, what is international justice really for?

The Pacific Islands Forum enteres a new era. The recent meeting of leaders encouraged cooperation, but for Taiwan the conditions are increasing. 

The 20th annual Canberra Networking Day (CND), hosted by the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), once again underscored the intricate and evolving nature of Australia-China relations. Collaboration is essential, and working towards a practical understanding for beneficial trade relations will be key. 

The Afghan Taliban have commenced an aggressive attempt to thrust aside and silence critical Afghan voices in international circles. If Western governments are sincere in their protestations of concern about human rights in Afghanistan, they will resist these endeavours, forcefully.

While the on-going Russo-Ukraine war has obvious consequences for East-West relations, the impact of this conflict on Russia’s relations with regional partners is often over-looked. Despite notable successes in rebuilding influence, Russia’s regional leadership is under pressure.

The interim government in Banagladesh faces many obstacles following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. The two most significant are the patronage network of loyal government workers and India's perceived lack of cooperation with the new government.