Editing a book about the media and the war in Ukraine taught me first-hand lessons about censorship. It also confirmed that the Western media’s pro-elite bias is as strong as ever.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese in Tonga for 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting; Pacific Policing Initiative announced; Marles in Indonesia to sign Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement; new partnership to support climate resilient communities across Tonga, and more.

It’s an achievement for Adrian Karatnycky to analyse over three decades of Ukrainian independence and six presidents in 306 pages. Part analysis and part memoir, the author showcases his long-term connection to Ukraine. 

On 7 August 2024, Thailand’s Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party, labelling its reform efforts on the lèse-majesté law as an attempt to subvert the monarchy. The court’s decision not only reflects the rationale behind the concept of the state of exception but also exemplifies hyper-legalism.

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.