With his extradition to face espionage charges in the US almost a fait accompli, Julian Assange’s legacy is up for grabs. In the ensuing free-for-all, reality has taken a backseat to the narratives that various interest groups would prefer the public associate with Assange’s plight.

The reaction of some in the business community to China’s threats of an economic boycott reflect an acute over-reliance on China. This in itself is symptomatic of the Australian business community’s lack of imagination.

Jair Bolsonaro has shown disregard towards the well-being of the Brazilian people, democratic institutions, the system of checks and balances, constitutional rights and freedoms, and freedom of the press. His raw display of egotism, insensitivity, ideological blindness, and hunger for power might prove to be excruciating amid a global pandemic.

Despite the US’s historic position as the regional power in Latin America, it has done surprisingly little to maintain this position in the Trump era, and particularly through the pandemic. This has created a vacuum for China to jump in and assert its influence in the region.

As the US grapples with a worsening economic situation stemming from the Coronavirus pandemic,  it should not abandon its commitment to support Afghanistan.  Doing so may help America save its position as a global superpower.

With abundant natural resources and well-established regional leadership positions, Australia seems poised to emerge from the pandemic as a thriving middle power.  Its pursuit of an inquiry into the pandemics origins we be an important litmus test for Australia’s future leadership.

ANZUS was established in geopolitical circumstances that no longer exist. A changing environment doesn’t mean Australia should exit the alliance, but in light of a rising China, it must rethink how ANZUS determines policy.

Uganda’s Coronavirus response measures do not take into account the specific needs of women.  Confusion about lockdown laws, a lack of reliable transport, and the poor administration of travel permits has cost lives.

Southeast Asian women are putting themselves in highly vulnerable positions for the betterment of their countries. However, despite their sacrifices, women are more negatively impacted by COVID-19 than men.

Consecutive government funding cuts have forced universities to become reliant on international students for funding. As universities restructure in response to COVID-19, both universities and international students are at risk.