This week in Australian foreign affairs: Marles addresses Shangri-La dialogue; non-Australian citizens can now join the Australian Defence Force; Wong travels to Solomon Islands to meet with new government; Farrell in Singapore to support IPEF agreements, and more.

The steps towards peace in the South Caucasus should be considered a positive regional movement, and one that deals with lingering Soviet era conflicts. Avoiding irridentist claims to formerly occupied terrority won't be easy, particuarly given Russia's interest in keeping conflict alive. 

For almost three decades, North Kivu has been plagued by armed conflict, causing repeated displacement of thousands of residents. Despite humanitarian efforts, the needs of displaced people and host communities far exceed available resources, with many affected by ongoing violence and limited media coverage.

A recent study shows conservatives and African Americans exhibit higher election distrust, with conservatives fearing fraud and supporting stricter voter ID laws, while African Americans worry about suppression and support expanded felon voting rights. As the 2024 election approaches, Trump's ongoing claims of vote-by-mail fraud continue to undermine trust in the electoral process.

Fiji's political landscape is in chaos, with a fragile coalition on the brink of collapse and the opposition falling apart amid scandals and power struggles. The potential outcomes include the government falling, the prime minister being ousted, or new elections being called, each scenario threatening further instability.

Nabila Ramdani's Fixing France explores the paradox of a nation that claims to be egalitarian yet is profoundly divided along racial and religious lines. Through ten thematic chapters, Ramdani examines these divisions and suggests solutions to address France's entrenched structural problems, making the book valuable for both general readers and students.

The 2022 election of Luis Inácio Lula da Silva signaled Brazil's return to the international stage, coinciding with its roles in the UN Security Council and G-20 presidency. However, Brazil faces challenges balancing domestic issues and international responsibilities, including regional conflicts and the Russo-Ukrainian war.

The economic relationship between China and the EU has deteriorated over the past five years due to geopolitical tensions and regulatory instability. European firms are now diversifying away from China, focusing on risk mitigation and supply chain resilience.

Despite, or perhaps because of, Donald Trump’s recent felony conviction by a New York City court, all the polls suggest he is likely to win the forthcoming presidential elections in November. Things could change in the next few months, but policymakers throughout the world would be well advised to prepare for a second Trump administration.

The Islamic State’s conquest of Mosul left behind a brutal legacy and uncertain future. A decade on, Iraq and the international community will need to prepare for the potential resurgence of the Islamic State or the emergence of a new, more violent terrorist network.