If a blame narrative gains traction in Ukraine, it could deepen internal divisions and jeopardise the nation's democratic future. Russia stands to benefit from such disinformation, amplifying a “stab-in-the-back” myth to shift responsibility for the war onto the West.

The illegitimacy of war for profit has profoundly shaped the diplomacy around warfare. This produces constraints on peacemaking and means that we will not see a peace treaty ending the war in Ukraine. 

The Israel-Hamas-Iran conflict is driven by deep historical, religious, and ideological forces. Collective traumas and existential fears on all sides fuel a cycle of violence, making comprise and peace difficult to achieve. 

The proposition for Bangladesh and ASEAN to move closer together in partnership, and unity, seems to have stalled. While both sides are eager for Dhaka to join, ASEAN should be wary of importing new challenges, especially given its inability to address ongoing regional hostilities. 

There must be a reconciliation between the human rights agenda and current humanitarian realities. In Gaza, the daily struggle is frigtening, and there appears no end or peace plan in sight. 

In a recent piece for Australian Outlook Graeme Gill writes that I and others “dispute the importance of NATO,” claiming it has no role in the current conflict, while we “rarely interrogate the evidence relating to [Russia’s] fear of Ukraine joining NATO.” In the article below, I respond to these claims.

Geopolitical tensions have intensified across the Middle East, amplifying the Iran-Israel standoff and reshaping regional power dynamics. Israel, deeply impacted by recent events, has adopted a more aggressive security stance, intensifying efforts to neutralise perceived threats from Iran’s regional network of proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and various Shiite militias.

The circular economy offers a potential paradigm shift in addressing global crises by reducing material waste and fostering innovation. However, its benefits are tempered by political and social challenges, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the broader economic and environmental context in which it is implemented.

The initial enthusiasm for the nearly US$30bn that China injected into Pakistan has now vanished. Rather, CPEC has become entangled in Pakistani domestic politics, even as the BRI has transformed Pakistan and its future.   

Critical minerals are a major economic resource for Australia’s future. Crucially, these minerals are no longer just economic resources, but a matter of economic security.