The Obama administration’s Pivot to Asia was the right idea at the right time, according to a new book by Robert D. Blackwill and Richard Fontaine.  They argue, however, that the Pivot was never implemented, and the US now finds itself in a weaker position vis-a-vis China in Asia. 

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Tuvulu Prime Minister Feleti Teo in Australia for talks; Marles in Washington D.C. for NATO Summit; new assistance package for Ukraine; Australia shares committment to Drone Coalition; Marles meets with NATO Indo-Pacific Four partners, and more.

If Vladimir Putin had been looking for a not-so-secret agent to assist him in his mission to cause unrest in Europe, it is unlikely he would have thought his principal accomplice would be Emmanuel Macron, president of France. 

As the US-led NATO forces withdrew, China stepped into Afghanistan, focusing on exploiting mineral resources, including lithium, crucial for green technologies like electric vehicle batteries. This move has raised geopolitical tensions and also concerns about the ethical trade-offs between economic development and cultural preservation.

The European Commission's Rule of Law report, while assessing EU member states' adherence to key rule of law principles, significantly lacks a focused evaluation of fundamental rights protections, especially for migrants. This oversight not only undermines the report's comprehensive integrity but also reflects poorly on the EU's commitment to its core democratic values.

The Albanese government wants Australia to make more stuff. That won’t be possible without closer cooperation with our trading partners, and South Korea provides a clear example of why.

The international landscape remains contradictory and fraught for the LGBTQ+ diplomat. Anecdotal experiences underscore broader issues faced by LGBTQ+ diplomats that shape their professional and personal lives abroad.

Economic engagement was a key focus at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, and there has been some serious money being put on the table by the Australian Government to help “derisk” private sector investment in Southeast Asia. But will this redress Australia’s underweight investment in its closest neighbours?

Dr Masoud Pezeshkian's election as president aligns with Iran's domestic and international priorities. His reformist stance, support from Supreme Leader Khamenei, and experience in politics and medicine make him a pivotal figure in addressing social unrest and international sanctions.

Two weeks until Paris hosts the Olympic Games, the French have spoken. In the highest voter turnout since 1997, and after three weeks of horse trading and politicking, the results of President Emmanuel Macron’s call for parliamentary elections are in.