From war to global finance to leadership in the UK, and many places in between, there is much uncertainty. Former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s conceptualisation of the known and unknown is particularly relevant right now.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese hosts Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong in Canberra and announces the Green Economy Agreement, Wong affirms the Government’s decision to reverse the Morrison Government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Australia-NZ Defence Ministers’ Meeting, and more.

Precious little was achieved on trade policy cooperation during Indonesia’s G20 presidency. Given the broader international context in which the G20 is currently operating, this does not come as a surprise.

Chipmaking is an American innovation, but its development is the collective effort of countries with competitive and comparative advantages working on a global value chain (GVC). Australia has little direct presence on the GVC, and chipping in to semiconductor manufacturing will not be straightforward.

The Indo-Pacific is the busiest and most contested area in relation to international security, with multiple players, agendas, and interests. Australia’s interests in the region are driven by the recognition that great power politics are increasingly being played out in the maritime space.

Developments emanating from Myanmar suggest that the internal situation in the country is becoming increasingly dire. This puts a strain on Myanmar’s external relations with ASEAN and other countries.

As Australia’s new government attempts to reset the country’s troubled relationship with China, James Curran’s new book reminds us that there have always been ups and downs in the relationship. There are many lessons to learn from experience.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese welcomes Sogavare to Canberra, Bali Bombings 20thanniversary commemoration events, Wong travels to Marshall Islands and Nauru, Wong hosts Indian counterpart Jaishankar, and more.

Italy pivoted hard right, propelling Giorgia Meloni’s coalition to victory. The recent elections were characterised by record-high abstentions and voters’ rejection of traditional political parties.

Identity politics in Singapore has long been a complex issue under the People’s Action Party (PAP). The new amendments to the constitution continue this trend.