The merits of the international order based on rule-of-law extend to more than just the US. Middle powers have a role to play, and can influence great powers when collective pressure can be brought to bare. 

The Ukraine Global Peace Summit is a platform for the international community to take unified action and put diplomatic pressure on Russia. South African history suggests that achieving a fair peace for Ukraine requires Russian political leaders to condemn the aggression and compensate the victims.

Beijing has discretely employed a “red thread” of dragon and phoenix strategy to compete in the sea and air with its global rival—the United States. Following the Chinese mythology of the invisible red thread—which connects those who are destined to meet—China has been expanding its spheres of political influence, displaying military power, and strengthening economic linkages.

The 2024 Indian general election marked a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape, highlighting substantial progress and shifting dynamics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successful bid for a third term emphasised the BJP's achievements, while the opposition coalition, including Rahul Gandhi's Indian National Congress, gained momentum, reflecting India's complex and evolving democracy.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off in the first presidential debate for the 2024 elections. What can be gleaned from the stream of half-truths, mistruths, and outright lies?

Australia has made remarkable strides in gender equality in diplomacy, achieving near parity in its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, globally, women remain underrepresented in diplomacy, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address gender disparities and ensure equal representation worldwide.

The UN's upcoming Doha III meeting with the Taliban notably excludes women and Afghan civil society representatives. This exclusion undermines the UN's commitment to women's rights and contradicts its Women, Peace, and Security agenda, drawing criticism for legitimizing the Taliban's discriminatory policies.

The time is ripe for India to walk the talk in terms of integrating gender in international relations as well as domestic policies. Using a feminist foreign policy, it must deconstruct dominant power structures that hinder its growth and embrace its leadership potential.

Feminist foreign policy provides a lens through which we can see climate action as a shared priority and human security issue. Australia should use feminist climate diplomacy to authentically listen to diverse stakeholders, analyse justice issues rigorously, and involve bottom-up approaches in its bid to co-host COP31.

In Asia, women have taken on prominent roles, however their contributions and underrepresentation in leadership positions have often been overlooked. Concerted efforts are needed to build a supportive organisational culture that values the contributions and experiences of women and achieves inclusive diplomacy.