There’s a defence Artificial Intelligence (AI) race underway. This effort across 25 countries ranging from the giant to the very small is detailed in a new open-access publication, The Very Long Game, on which this post draws. I wrote the Australian chapter.

Young people in the Pacific want to be active, positive partners contributing to their communities. If Australia is genuine about partnering with the region to see a thriving Blue Pacific, the perspectives of young people must be thoroughly understood and considered, and opportunities for youth to contribute to decision-making must be encouraged.

Australia is recognised as a leader in implementing comprehensive biosecurity measures, as outlined in the Australian Biosecurity Act 2015 and the National Biosecurity Strategy Implementation Plan 2022-2032. Despite their proactive approach, these efforts face challenges due to insufficient funding, which threatens the effectiveness of their protective measures against invasive species and diseases.

Australia must awaken a spirit of enquiry and zest about our region and the belief that out destiny as a nation rests there.

Donald Trump is now having his lead whither before him as the fresh and young face of Kamala Harris steps forward for the Democrats. It is Trump’s to lose, and any continuation of current tactics are unlikely to be unhelpful.

On 6 July, the 14th Dalai Lama turned 89, having lived for the last 65 years in exile in India. The Dalai Lama is the physical embodiment of the Tibetan nation and his advancing age brings forth urgent questions for the future of the Tibetan struggle.

The leaders of India and Italy reaffirmed mutual commitments to global affairs and shared strategic interests at the 2024 G7 Summit. Their collaboration on economic, technological, and security dilemmas set a promising precedent for future cooperation.

The Kremlin’s decision to invade Ukraine has been primarily driven by the threat of NATO’s expansion along Russia’s border. Its strategic objective is to annex some Ukrainian territory and badly weaken the country so it cannot join NATO.

Australia's approach to handling refugees through its offshore detention strategy exemplifies ongoing challenges in regional diplomacy. The contentious funding agreements, lacking transparency and accountability, highlight a pattern of murky financial dealings that could strain ties with PNG and undermine regional stability.

The African National Congress lost its majority for the first time when South Africans went to the polls in April. What does the formation of a Government of National Unity tell us about South Africa after 30 years of democracy?