Australian superannuation funds are increasingly investing overseas, yet there is no clear government policy guiding how economic diplomacy should support these high-stakes investments. As super funds face growing exposure to foreign political and regulatory risks—especially in the US, UK, and EU—Australia urgently needs a more coherent strategy to safeguard national retirement savings and define the role of its diplomats in protecting member interests abroad.  

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu highlights Türkiye’s escalating political repression, where opposition figures are increasingly targeted under sweeping criminal and terrorism charges. While the ruling and opposition parties battle for control, both continue to marginalise the Kurdish population, revealing a deeper struggle for power rather than genuine democratic reform.  

The European Commission’s new “ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030” outlines ambitious defence goals but overlooks key fiscal and structural challenges for member states. Without accounting for differences in economic capacity and industrial readiness, the plan risks becoming a financial burden rather than a unifying strategy.  

Australia-led research on China’s South-North Water Transfer Project reveals it as both an engineering and political undertaking, marked by fragmented governance and local resistance. The project highlights deep tensions between central mandates and local realities, challenging the idea of a unified Chinese state.

With Trump focusing on China both economically and strategically the possibility of war over Taiwan is more acute then ever. Defending Taiwan is not only a question of military power but also the island’s resilience in the face of Beijing’s multimodal aggression. 

American uncertainty on trade settings has created opportunities for Australia to strengthen and diversify our relationships in the Asia-Pacific. Bolstering our Asia-Pacific literacy is a key strategic step to achieve these aims.

With global conflict escalating and civilian protections eroding, Australia has a strategic opportunity to assert leadership in upholding international humanitarian law. By leveraging diplomatic influence and building cross-regional alliances, Australia can strengthen global adherence to the rules-based order, protecting civilians, and advancing global stability.

The diplomatic clash between the US and China over fishing resources in Peru illustrates how Peru's deepening economic ties with China have increased geopolitical tensions, particularly around strategic assets like the Chancay Megaport. As China's economic dominance in Peru grows, the country faces a challenging balancing act, trying to preserve political neutrality amid escalating rivalry between the US and China.  

The massive scale and international exposure of Australia's superannuation industry present new opportunities to leverage retirement savings as a foreign policy tool. However, recent global market volatility highlights significant risks, necessitating clearer government strategies to protect and responsibly manage Australians' overseas investments.

South Sudan’s fragile peace deal is unravelling as political tensions flare and violence resurfaces. More than a broken trust is the cause, and the nation's leaders will need to be pressured into peace.