Bangladesh's interim government, under Dr. Muhammad Yunus, faces a pivotal moment to reshape its Myanmar policy amid evolving dynamics in Rakhine. By addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis and leveraging strategic ties with the Arakan Army alongside international partners, Dhaka can strike a balance with Myanmar's State Administration Council while asserting regional leadership

In his inaugural address on 10 November 2024, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasised the importance of forging a “natural alliance” with the Kurdish nation. While not specifying which segment of Kurdistan his office seeks to engage with, the statement raises an important question: how can a sovereign state establish an alliance with a non-state actor?

China has recently praised Australia's independent foreign policy, with Xi Jinping and Anothony Albanese holding friendly talks at the G20 and planning a future meeting in China. This highlights Beijing's effort to court traditional US allies amid concerns over a potential second Donald Trump term in the White House.

Economic sanctions have long been used as a nonviolent foreign policy tool to influence the behaviour and policies of targeted states. While they are often effective in prompting policy changes in democratic countries, they frequently fall short in altering the course of authoritarian regimes. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan aims to position Türkiye as a security guarantor for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, amid regional tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict and potential shifts under a Trump-led presidency. Rather than replacing the US, Türkiye seeks a more active role in the Middle East, focusing on the Persian Gulf as a stabilising partner.  

The ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders have sparkd a debate on the application of international law and the dehumanisation of belligerents. Narratives of “civilisation” and exclusion undermine the principles of justice in the laws of war.

Transferring weapons and weapon parts to Israel has become an increasingly controversial topic in the US and has often led to public negativity and scrutiny. Criticism and public calls for suspensions of such transfers have become more frequent during the current war in the Middle East.  

US State Department official Josh Paul resigned in October 2023, being morally opposed to the Biden administration’s provision of arms to Israel. Paul has received considerable attention for his principled resignation, and has now launched a new lobby group called “A New Policy.” But is departing the public service necessarily an act of public virtue? 

Can Manila balance diplomacy with defence to protect its sovereignty amid Beijing's aggressive expansion in the South China Sea? This question dominated discussions at the inaugural Track 1.5 Manila Dialogue, held from 6-8 November in the National Capital Region of the Philippines.  

Australia’s economic diplomacy in Africa remains tied to its mining activities, with limited engagement in public and cultural diplomacy–the kind that contributes to deep, respectful and time-tested relations. It must be wary also of being embroiled in a resources race, where local African populations are exploited for Western gains.