Australia's 2020 Defence Strategic Update's singular focus on US-China competition fails to account for the greater threat present in South Asia. The recent clash between China and India demonstrates that this region should be a prominent part of Australia's regional defence strategy.

Development of the Chabahar Port complements the strategic interests of both the US and India. Both states must recalibrate their engagements with Iran to achieve their collective and individual long-term goals.

The ICC Prosecutor’s decision to investigate war crimes in Palestine has been met with various criticisms, some of which hinge on distortions or mischaracterisations of the Court’s functions. These merit correction for the benefit of public debate on this matter.

The Mexican government has implemented a series of different policies to try to eradicate the pervasive power of cartels, and the violence accompanying them. However, an effective policy will require eliminating the source of cartels' power, rather than just undermining it. 

The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is shining a green light on women’s leadership skills. With only 20 countries led by women, female voices are being obscured in a crisis that disproportionately affects women.

Recent Chinese state-owned media have been using colourful headlines and articles to describe Australia. This is a tried and trusted method that has been used for at least a quarter century.

Pundits often negatively portray China’s current posture towards the liberal international order. A more nuanced, and arguably more apt, characterisation of its stance is that of a “conditional supporter.”

India and Australia’s relationship has evolved over the years. Once estranged nations now look to one another as key strategic and diplomatic partners in the Indian Ocean region and in the Indo-Pacific region at large.

The debate over Australia’s response to the challenges presented by China often pits pragmatists against proponents of a principles-based approach. While these perspectives may appear to be in conflict, short-run pragmatism could pave the way for a principles-based approach in the future.

Britain and France cooperate significantly in the domains of defence and diplomacy. As such, Whitehall must ensure that through Brexit, Britain’s strong relationship with France is preserved.