On the back of their Strengthened Strategic Partnership, Japan and the Philippines have signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). This indicates the strength and evolution of the security relationship and the approach of both sides to managing regional instability.   

The persistent debate about NATO's role in the Ukraine conflict centres on Russia's longstanding objection to the alliance's expansion, which Moscow views as a threat. This historical stance is a crucial part of understanding the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, as both sides acknowledge the centrality of Ukraine's potential NATO membership in influencing the invasion and shaping the geopolitical landscape.  

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Marles in Timor-Leste to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Popular Consultation independence referendum; Marles and Wong host counterparts in Australia-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultation; humanitarian assistance for Bangladesh, and more.

As tensions simmer in the Middle East following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the critical question remains: When will Iran retaliate against Israel?

Hungary's Viktor Orbán undertook a rogue “peace mission” in July to “resolve” the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His meetings with Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping, and Donald Trump achieved little except to repudiate the European Union's own position.

In the 21st century, populism has resurfaced in Latin America, but it has also emerged as a political force in other developing countries, as well as in Eastern European countries and several advanced industrial democracies. The support for populism in Latin America offers a lens through which to understand this phenomenon globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Poland, the first by an Indian leader in 45 years, signifies a pivotal moment in India-Poland relations. Occurring amid significant global geopolitical shifts, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, this visit highlights a strategic recalibration of India’s foreign policy in Europe.

After two conflicting versions of “official” electoral results were made public in Venezuela, rallies in support of both the government and the opposition ensued, as well as street protests. Will anything change once complete and verified electoral results are published?

Australia has experienced an extraordinary and unseasonable heatwave during what should have been at the heart of the winter season. Temperatures across the country spiked as much as 16 degrees Celsius above normal August levels, putting all-time winter temperature records at risk of being shattered in multiple states.

The development of the Australia-Japan relationship from former adversaries to close allies is a remarkable statement of the ongoing closeness each nation perceives in the other. From the strategic importance of trade, defense cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges to the challenges of addressing shared concerns about China's rise, there is a clear rationale for the deepening of political and strategic collaboration between the two nations.