With North Korea issuing threats, Trump questioning the Iran deal and the signing of a nuclear ban treaty, nuclear themes have dominated 2017. What will come next?

The strength of Islamic State lies in its powerful propaganda which means defeat requires a robust strategy to counter the extremist group's communications in addition to military force.

Growth and levels of development in Papua New Guinea and Melanesia continue to improve but issues of governance, tribal affiliations and government corruption are slowing the process.

There’s no doubt the way Australia engages with China is the most important issue in Australian foreign relations, combining complexity and consequence.

Australia needs to bring all efforts to bear across across the military, diplomatic and aid sectors to counter potential terrorism from Islamic State activity on Mindanao.

Saudi Arabia is attempting major economic reform while continuing to battle the spectre of Iranian-led opposition.

As tensions continue to escalate on the Korean Peninsula, what weight can China bring to bear on Pyongyang?

Among the policy divergences, Russia and Australia’s trading relationship continues to show opportunities for growth.

The African diaspora in Australia now sits a more than half a million. The increased people-to-people and cultural links offer a new approach to engagement on the continent.

With the signing of the EU-Australia Framework Agreement in Manila this month, Australia is a step closer to achieving a free trade agreement with one of its largest trading partners.