Putin’s rule over Russia will come to an end at some point, but when it will end as well as what the policy preferences of his successors might be are uncertain. It would be in the interests of the United States and Europe to signal on what terms they would be willing to cooperate with a post-Russian leadership.

Taliban-led governance in Afghanistan faces several critical weaknesses, the least not being the lack of a recognisable constitution. Absent other forms of legitimising institutions, regime survival will increasingly rely on force and violence. 

A new era in trilateral relations has dawned for the likeminded partners, Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK), and the United States. How long it will last will depend on how institutionalised the triumvirate can become on economic, financial, technological, and security matters while also navigating South Korea's troublesome politics. 

South Africa's many troubles require immediate attention to stave off a further deepening of what has become a systemic disaster of state incapacity. A simple place to begin is education, where the challenge is significant. 

Niger’s recent coup unsettles the delicate balance required to address humanitarian challenges and extremist militancy, ensure global security, and limit the disruptive pursuit of global spheres of influence. Understanding its multiple layers of complexity will help restore some equilibrium.

Important opportunities exist for Australian universities to realise a thriving relationship with Indian higher education. In STEM and HASS disciplines specifically, outbound mobility and joint research programs are on the rise.  

Martin Wolf’s new book dissects in great depth the threat of a “crisis of democratic capitalism.” He leaves this reader feeling rather pessimistic about the future.

India is famous for its cultural diversity and known as the largest democracy to the world. The ascendancy of Hindu nationalism under the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) threatens this diversity and the religious minorities within its territorial boundaries.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese off to Indonesia, the Philippines, and India next month; Pacific Rugby League Championships established; Australia hosting Exercise Malabar for the first time; Japan-Australia RAA enters into force; and more.

The lessons of the past should not be so easily forgotten, particularly when that history involves the unprecedented and systematic slaughter of civilians. Recent travels over Germany and Russia, and the threat of authoritarian creep in countries such as the United States, provide a devastating reminder of what can happen if tyranny is allowed to prevail.