History seems to be accelerating with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, following in the footsteps of COVID-19 and the rise of China. To gain a quick understanding of the background to the Ukraine war, two recent books by Mark Galeotti on Russian history and Vladimir Putin are excellent primers.

Australian Institute of International Affairs National President Allan Gyngell starts his history of Australian foreign policy with the observation that Australia’s myths are mostly military ones: “The story Australians know best of their country’s engagement with the world is one of wars and battles.”  

Geopolitical competition between the US and China can provoke dangerous status conflicts for which Europe seems ill-prepared. This edited collection probes Europe’s traditional security alignments and its potential for strategic autonomy.

Tharoor provides a scathing criticism of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While Tharoor is a member of the opposition, he nonetheless provides a valuable analysis of the past decade of modern Indian history.

In The Invisibility Bargain: Governance, Networks and Human Security, Jeffrey Pugh focuses on Ecuador's immigration policies from 2000 to 2017. Pugh questions how Colombian immigrants can secure protection policies such as human rights, resources, and recognition from the government of Ecuador.

The world is still in a state of shock as it seeks to analyse and understand Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the tragic war underway. Catherine Belton’s book, Putin’s People, is of great interest as it provides well-researched and troubling insights into the nature of Russian politics on the eve of the invasion. 

“Good international citizenship” was a major theme in Gareth Evans’s role as Australia’s foreign minister and has also featured in his post-parliamentary career. It is helpful to have his perspective on this matter elaborated in this short, very readable book.

Dennis Altman explores the durability and continuing influence of monarchies. Altman effectively balances both the criticisms and potential benefits of the modern monarchy.

Collision Course charts the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. It delves into the nitty-gritty and complexities of the international business and political relations in the “Alliance” between three motor vehicle giants – Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi.  

The global ruptures brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have created a profound moment of political transformation, teeming with possibilities for imagining a new future. Nowhere is this clearer than in the United States of America.