Recent protests in Hong Kong over the government’s extradition bill have resulted in breaches of the freedom of speech, assembly and movement. The strategic question for the protesters is how to negotiate from a position of weakness.

We can no longer assume the existence of such a thing as “the British people” in the singular. Scotland, London and the Catholic-nationalist parts of Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU; England and Wales are deeply divided on Brexit. Meanwhile, another referendum would silence the UK’s foremost democratic institution.

In recent years the G7 has clearly been divided.  Although this year's meeting produced no consensus on burning issues, it did provide some glimmers of hope.

Clare Walsh, DFAT Deputy Secretary speaks on multilateralism, aid and development.

Conservative media and other supporters of nuclear power for Australia are becoming more vocal. Although Australia ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 1973 and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1998, could this be a prelude to Australia developing a nuclear weapons program?

The explosive trade war between China and the US persists due to the constant imposition of tariffs by either side. The solution lies in the appreciation of the Yuan against the US dollar and liberalising restrictions on US foreign domestic income (FDI) in China.

The growth in Australia’s investment in the Pacific has led to a development of infrastructure. However, in respect to the Solomon Islands the delay in investing in infrastructure has resulted in a number of local conflict risks. 

The Pacific Islands Forum clearly displayed Australia’s adamant position on not comprising its current coal-intensive interests. However, the focus should not just be centred on Australia’s use of coal but rather the issue of China’s pollution and how that could plague the Pacific Islands in the near future.

With the looming formation of a new coalition government between old and new faces, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is poised for an uncertain future following controversial December 2018 elections. 

The devastation that plagues the Rakhine state of Myanmar persists, due to the inability to reach a consensus on how to effectively deal with the displacement of refugees.