Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the WHO undermines global health security, jeopardising disease control efforts, climate resilience programs, and pandemic preparedness. As the world faces rising health threats, the absence of US leadership weakens international cooperation and leaves a dangerous gap in global health governance.

Donald Trump's neglect of Southeast Asia, coupled with controversial foreign policy decisions like his Gaza proposal and the abolishment of USAID, is eroding US credibility and trust in the region. As ASEAN states seek alternative partnerships with middle powers and China capitalises on Washington’s missteps, America risks losing its strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific

In order to further capture India’s rapidly-growing demand for international tourism, Australian tourism marketing must transition to engaging with emerging means of youth communication: social media influencers.

It was offensive, thoughtless, and ridiculous for President Donald Trump to ponder aloud at a press conference with Benjamin Netanyahu about America colonising Gaza, moving out the existing population, and turning it into a sea-side holiday destination. Given how many statements Trump has made like this as president, not just as a candidate, it is tempting to see Trump as uniquely dangerous.   

With the treaty set to expire in 2026, the absence of a binding arms control agreement raises concerns over unchecked nuclear expansion amid rising geopolitical tensions. While confidence-building measures could pave the way for future negotiations, the lack of political will on both sides signals a bleak outlook for global arms control

The new AI executive order signals a departure from Biden’s regulatory framework, prioritising innovation and national competitiveness over responsible AI principles. While it removes barriers for private sector growth, concerns remain about reduced oversight on bias, misinformation, and civil rights protections.

The semiconductor dynamic between China and Taiwan operates within a three-tier paradigm encompassing cultural, military, and techno-economic dimensions. Taiwan’s export-driven, semiconductor-centric economy is a double-edged sword—serving as both a shield of technological supremacy deterring Chinese aggression and a vulnerability due to its lack of economic diversification for long-term stability.

The Albanese Government’s stabilisation approach has successfully reset Australia-China relations, demonstrating that economic engagement and strategic caution can coexist. By maintaining stability while reinforcing security measures, Australia ensures it can navigate great-power competition without unnecessary provocation, preserving its national interests in the long term.

We’ve become so fixated on the narrative of escalating rivalry—with the US on one side and China and Russia on the other—that we often overlook a subtler yet crucial reality: the potential for strategic alignment between these great powers. Beyond outright competition, an underappreciated space for tacit great-power coordination exists as they navigate and expand their spheres of influence.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Marles visits new US Defense Secretary Hegseth in Washington D.C.; Wong announces new sanctions on white supremacist terror group, and others; President of the Republic of Palau Surangel S. Whipps Jr visits Australia, and more.