The European Union is slowly cutting off Russia’s lifeline. For Ukraine it may be too little, too late.

Bangladesh will open its ambitious Padma Bridge this month. The infrastructure project will have enormous ramifications, both within Bangladesh, and beyond.

Working with like-minded is fine, but working open-mindedly is more important. The Quad’s attempt to promote Maritime Domain Awareness and reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Indo-Pacific region should involve an inclusive conversation with China.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese meets with Ardern, Australia reaches a settlement with French Naval Group following the termination of the Attack class submarine program, Wong visits New Zealand and Solomon Islands, Marles travels to Singapore and Japan and meets with his Chinese counterpart, and more.

The midterm Republican primaries are showcasing the battle between Trump-loyalists and traditional Republican conservatives; it’s our first electoral insight into the aftermath of the Trump Presidency.

COVID-19 has made it even more difficult for developing countries to offer humanitarian assistance. Given these circumstances, the response of Bangladesh to the Rohingya crisis has been exemplary.

Young women are feeling empowered to raise awareness of sexual harassment since the unfolding of the #MeToo movement. While this has resulted in more willingness to partake in political conversations, for some, their voices and experiences are still unheard.

Southeast Asia has taken active strides towards human rights and democracy. But lost in this shift is the ongoing discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ+ persons in the region.

The West and China continue to exert influence over the Pacific region. But discussions of Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are increasingly patronising, framing them as vulnerable, and omitting their agency.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held in Rwanda from June 20. Anthony Albanese’s decision not to attend has raised some eyebrows.