This week in Australian foreign affairs: Adamson’s National Press Club speech, COVID-19 assistance to Fiji and Tuvalu, WTO wine action against China, and more.

As with all grand attempts to boil noble abstracts down to tangibles, the nation’s moral code has been misinterpreted, dissected, abused, and ignored. Now it’s being refreshed under the urgings of President Joko Widodo in a bid to sideline extremism.

Malaysia has pragmatically optimised diplomatic and legal instruments as the principal statecraft to advance its interests. Diplomacy and selective deference are central to preserving sovereignty and keeping bilateral ties, while legal means have served to protect Malaysia's interests through quiet, indirect defiance.

The United States and Russia must overcome their Soviet-era differences, resolve their standoffs diplomatically, and work for the global commons. The meeting between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin at the Geneva Summit is a good step.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rapid and significant increase in the prevalence and severity of modern slavery in Indonesia. Thousands of additional  Indonesian woman and girls have been plunged into modern slavery, while current victims’ experiences have become more severe.

The Spanish perception of Australia is uniquely positive. The enduring bonhomie is the foundation of a close friendship and strong bilateral relationship between Australia and Spain.

The impact of COVID-19 on the international student market was swift and unexpected. The pipeline effects will continue into 2022 and 2023.

The geographic terms “Israel” and “Palestine” have a long history and specific connotations for Jews and Arabs with respect to their competing claims to the same land. The only way forward for Jewish Israelis and Palestinian Arabs is to cease looking backwards.

Sexual violence is used during times of armed conflict as a tactical or strategic tool to intimidate, insult, incapacitate, and injure. It affects individuals, but also their families, communities, and the entire society.

Also discussed in this episode: Scott Morrison's Perth speech; Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's advice on improving Australia's relations with China; the free trade agreement with the UK; and Australia's relationship with France.