The Trump campaign war cry “we will drill, baby, drill” could lead to a resurgence of oil and gas (O&G) exploration and production in the South China Sea when (and not if) President-elect Donald Trump removes obstacles to oil and gas production currently in place in the United States. It may also add to the existing commercial bulwark the United States and its allies in the region already possess to deter China’s attempts to seek hegemony over the South China Sea.  

Amid the Ukraine conflict, Central Asian states are leveraging a multi-vector foreign policy to balance historic ties with Russia and expanding partnerships with global powers. This strategic pivot highlights their resilience in navigating a complex and shifting geopolitical landscape.

Indonesia's new Cabinet formation under President Prabowo Subianto highlights both the inclusiveness and challenges of coalition-led governance, revealing a political environment heavily influenced by elite networks and patronage in party politics. This piece explores how democratising candidate selection in parties might pave the way for a more responsive and accountable government, aligning political appointments more closely with the public interest.  

With populist fervor now embedded in US-China relations, economic tensions have become a bipartisan fixture in Washington. As both parties double down on Trump’s legacy of tough talk, the US-China trade war is set to be a defining—and enduring—feature of American foreign policy.

The fact that the Pacific Community (SPC) has been forced to hold its annual executive meeting thousands of kilometres away from its headquarters in Noumea this year was an unsettling reminder that decolonisation in the Pacific Island region is still an unfinished project. These challenges underscore the need for an inclusive and resilient regional framework as the Blue Pacific seeks a united future.

What does Donald Trump have store for Australia when he returns to the White House? Past actions reveal a willingness to undermine long-standing alliances and deterrence strategies, raising concerns about the potential fallout for US partners like Australia and South Korea.

Australia has long contributed to global arms control and non-proliferation efforts, yet its reliance on the US nuclear umbrella reflects a conflicting stance on nuclear disarmament. This dependence not only undermines Australia's historical commitment to nuclear disarmament but also risks drawing the nation into potential nuclear conflict without assured protection.

Rather than fostering security, restrictive measures such as the criminalisation of migration create a vicious cycle of insecurity and irregularity. So why do […]

As the Shrine of Remembrance turns 70, we seek honesty in our War Commemorations. It is important to note that our Mourning brings Love and Hope for Peace not support for more War. 

The Australian Institute of International Affairs held its annual national conference in Canberra on 11 November. An event for Australia's foreign affairs observers, practitioners, and critics, it's occasion, coming on the heals of the American presidential election, provided for sober analysis of the trajectory ahead.