The view that Russian aggression towards Ukraine is driven solely by the goal of maintaining its neutrality as a buffer state must ignore certain realities. Its most important omission is that Russia's military actions and the genocidal tactics employed against Ukrainians align with a broader historical narrative of reasserting dominance over regions seen as integral to Russian identity.

With both Kamala Harris and former Donald Trump intensifying their presidential campaigns, the implications for foreign policy are many. For one continent, however, America’s policies are unlikely to change regardless of who wins the upcoming election.

Israel’s recent assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders have brought the Middle East to the brink of broader hostilities, including potentially war. Any meaningful solution necessitates imaginative and influential leadership.

Misleading entertainment visuals on TikTok are more potent than hate speech content, making misinformation and disinformation harder to identify. The effect is subtle yet powerful.

Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1974, Australia and Maldives have established close bilateral cooperation. Over the years, Canberra has become an important development partner, helping to build human resources through higher education cooperation and the development of good governance, infrastructure, and security.

The EU's Single Market allows unrestricted movement of goods, services, people, and capital among its members, making the EU Australia's third-largest trading partner. Recent years have seen efforts to strengthen EU-Australia cooperation, however diplomatic challenges, such as the submarine debacle, demonstrate an ongoing reserve. 

Xi Jinping has big dream for the Chinese military, with the invasion of Taiwan at the top of the list. Ongong turmoil with restructuring efforts however may impede progress as the grinding between political and security centres of gravity contintue to occur. 

The first Pacific Banking Forum in July 2024 sought to enhance banking relationships in the Pacific but faced challenges, notably excluding Chinese participants. Efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese banking influence in the region are complicated by the significant economic ties between Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and China, highlighting the strategic and economic dilemmas inherent in shaping regional banking policies.

North Korean escapee arrivals to South Korea are at their lowest in over two decades, and they continue to face challenges with integrating into their new home. However, rising numbers of success stories prove the remarkable resilience and adaptability of this unique population.  

Reducing Chinese influence in Indonesia's nickel industry, crucial to the EV supply chain, poses significant challenges to the country's battery-grade nickel production. This move could deter future Chinese investments and diminish essential technology transfers, impacting Indonesia's competitiveness in the global clean energy market.