This week in Australian foreign affairs: second anniversary of AUKUS announcement, Wong in New York for 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Australia signs High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, ICJ intervention in Ukraine v Russia, and more.

Politics does not belong in a disaster zone, where people have lost all, and where a nation needs healing. While the recent earthquake in Morocco continues to produce victims, an untimely diplomatic spat with France has not helped.

On the 31st of January this year, Foreign Minister Penny Wong gave a speech at King’s College in London where she urged the United Kingdom to confront its colonial past. She referred to her own family’s experiences with British colonialism and acknowledged that “such stories can sometimes feel uncomfortable – for those whose stories they are, and for those who hear them.”

Recently, numerous authors have raised the theme that the so-called “Global South” is tired of the West's disrespect and that only through repairing and fulfilling past promises and being more sincere can the so-called West and the “Global South” have mutually beneficial relationships. This argument is flawed at several levels. 

Private companies in the United States whose actions are authorized by government licensing agencies will have a profound effect on the meaning and application of space law through the doctrine of “subsequent state practice.” The strong influence of the United States (and its international partners) on space law will also be seen as NASA’s Artemis program proceeds.

Do Russian people, restricted from the global internet, really trust state media? This is a question we may be able to answer with a proper understanding of the Russian concept of vranyo.

Ajay Gudavarthy unpacks the success of the political right in India. In addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commanding lead, the book captures the emotions of everyday citizens and the ethical considerations associated with nationalism, as employed by the BJP. 

Australia has a long relationship with the Middle East and strong trusting partnerships. With energy and economic transformation on the agenda for the region, Australia stands to gain considerably with more investment, and with a nimble diplomatic approach.

Europe made great progress towards a “whole and free” continent during the 35 years until 2007/08, when a cascade of crises occurred, culminating in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  Timothy Garten Ash argues that a Ukraine victory would offer the opportunity to renew efforts to create a “whole and free” Europe.  

Southeast Asia’s importance to Australia’s economic future is undeniable, but attempts to meet the promises of the region seem stretched. The upcoming trip to China by the Albanese government, meanwhile, will provide some ground to regaining the former economic partnership with Beijing.