The Pacific Islands Forum this week adopted a Pacific Policing Initiative which marshalls Australian resources to meet Pacific needs. A Parliamentary inquiry is looking at proposals from a range of sectors to collaborate on the region’s priorities.

The Common Heritage of Humankind principle has regained international importance in relation to the exploitation of marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction. However, it is necessary to assess what role it might play in future international negotiations for the governance of space mining.

In the Indo-Pacific, navies play a major role in shaping a balance of power that generates deterrence effects. The roles and strategies of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the Indo-Pacific are crucial to this deterrence. 

The relationship between populism and conspiracy theories highlights how populist movements often incorporate conspiracy theories to explain perceived injustices by elites against the people. This dynamic is more prevalent in environments where conspiracy theories are less stigmatized, influencing populist rhetoric and strategies significantly across different global contexts.

India has been grappling with several contradictions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP rule since 2014, often characterised by cultural prioritisation over secular liberalism, rising nationalism, and Hindu-first ideologies. Despite these challenges and decreased political inclusivity, Modi has retained significant popularity and power.

China’s booming gig economy promises convenience but hides a darker reality. Beneath the surface of convenience and fast deliveries lies a web of human costs, including physical and mental health struggles, financial insecurity, and a growing skills gap.

Whether or not Israel claims responsibility for the death of Ismail Haniyeh, his assassination abroad may not have improved Israel’s prospects at home. Bringing the war to a conclusion will require a credible correlation of ends and means.

China has increasingly engaged in international peace efforts, shifting from a non-interference policy to actively participating in conflict management due to threats to its investments, particularly those related to the Belt and Road Initiative. This involvement aims to demonstrate China as a responsible global power.

John J. Mearsheimer and Tom Switzer's arguments center on the simple acceptance of Vladimir Putin's rhetoric, which downplays the complexities of Ukraine's stance on NATO. They fail to critically assess the broader geopolitical dynamics, instead aligning closely with Putin's misleading narrative that portrays NATO expansion as a direct threat to Russia.

With the recent downfall of the longest-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, following domestic political unrest, Bangladesh is anticipated to reassert its role as a small state leader in Indo-Pacific security. For Indo-Pacific partners, aligning with the security interests of Bangladesh will help promote the overall security of the country, and this can best be met by observing domestic circumstances.