Just over a year ago, the AUKUS agreement was announced out of the blue. It was widely seen as heralding a dramatic shift in Australia’s defence and strategic position, and has since then been the subject of almost continuous public discussion.

Without the nuclear deal in place, Iran struggles with the sanctions imposed by the US and other Western nations. This has led to severe social, political, and economic consequences.

Türkiye is one of the world’s largest agricultural producers. Yet increases in food prices are far outpacing global inflation.

As the first round of Brazilian elections approaches, support for both parties remains closely matched. However, there is justified concern for the future of Brazil’s democracy.

The Taliban and China are keen to deepen their relationship, but there are serious obstacles in the way. This is not about to change soon. 

While international space law has served us well since the 1960s, there are gaps and uncertainties which have been filled by non-binding principles. It is time to consider more detailed and nuanced rules for the responsible governance of outer space. 

There were elements in the West that wanted Mikhail Gorbachev to succeed, but there were others that wanted to exploit him to weaken Russia as a geopolitical rival. The latter prevailed, to Russia’s great harm.

In recent days four events, all involving Russia, give us cause for alarm in the current troubled world. They each shine a light on Vladimir Putin’s short- and long-term priorities, as well as who his friends are.

Australia’s international engagement structure is chained to the 2017 White Paper, a once effective, now outdated document. A new strategy and structure should now be formalised that establishes an Office of Southeast Asia, an Envoy, and shapes DFAT capability for the modern world. 

Since Kenya gained independence, its foreign policy has evolved to accommodate changing trends in world affairs. However, as William Ruto prepares to take office, it is important to remember that regime change does not necessarily lead to radical shifts in Kenya’s foreign policy agenda.