With the launch of the new Indo-Pacific Health Security Initiative, Australia is taking antimicrobial resistance seriously as it seeks strengthen the region against disease outbreaks.

The unpredictability of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is being worsened by internal political disputes and outside interference. What are the prospects for peace?

Australia's Aid for Trade agenda does little to advance the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, treating the environment primarily as a tool for economic prosperity.

The Catalan president has said the Spanish region will declare independence following last weekend's referendum, but it need never have come to this. 

The Australian government has launched an ambitious cyber affairs strategy, seeking to take a leading role in building a free, open and secure cyberspace.

The strength of Islamic State lies in its powerful propaganda which means defeat requires a robust strategy to counter the extremist group's communications in addition to military force.

Analysis of jihadist communications is a vital tool for shaping Australian counterterrorism efforts. Islamic State’s Dabiq magazine remains an important source.

Support for protectionist trade policies flares up periodically, usually during periods of slow economic and income growth. Now is one of those periods and Australia has much to lose. 

With Australia in prime position to be elected to a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, it can no longer champion human rights internationally while failing to address its domestic policy failings.

While Australia and Indonesia are close geographically, they have only weak investment and trade links. The choice is simple: work together and prosper or miss out on the economic benefits.