As the world’s two superpowers jostle for supremacy, and much of the world reverts to protectionism, middle powers have an opportunity to pursue new pathways to freer trade. Australia is uniquely positioned to lead in this area and would do the world a service by doing so.

Semiconductors moved to the heart of geopolitics during the postwar period, from the Cold War to the 1990/91 Gulf War.  And as Chris Miller documents in “Chip War,” semiconductors are playing a major role in great power competition between the US and China today. 

While some Private Military Companies (PMCs) serve authoritarian governments, these actors are not representative of the global industry. PMCs whose structure, leadership, and culture increase accountability can provide benefits to states consistent with international law.

Despite the growth in numbers, which may require a name change, BRICS looks poised to grow in importance. How the members organise to provide public goods, however, will define it legacy. 

The deadly weekend attacks by Hamas against mainly young people at a musical festival in Israel reveals a new and challenging shift in how terrorist organisations are approaching their political goals. Hybrid forms of warfare are not new, but their characteristics are likely to trouble state responses. 

The differences in party conferences between the Labour and Conservative parties in the United Kingdom recently has been as much about policy as behaviour. With Labour catching up, Rishi Sunak's party will be getting worried. 

Foreign policy has yet to feature significantly in New Zealand’s elections despite its obvious implications for national security and development. Internationally, observers are looking for the elections will mean for policy towards AUKUS, the Ukraine War, and crucially climate change.

The people of Rempang and Galang Island, Batam City (Kepri Province) Indonesia, have been living in an atmosphere of anxiety for the last few months. The development of new island economic areas for which the government seems increasingly willing to ignore the people in its search for investments has created trouble for the new investors.

The China-leaning Mohamed Muizzu has conquered his rival, India-leaning opponent to claim the presidency of the Maldives. This outcome will likely ensure a recalibration of Maldivian foreign policy, but not as much as some fears may suggest. 

Regulatory sandboxes can be greatly beneficial for governments worldwide in developing flexible, evidence-based rules for artificial intelligence (AI) and promoting innovation. Unfortunately, several weaknesses of the European Union’s proposed AI sandbox could undermine its long-term potential to help the continent remain globally competitive in a rapidly changing international AI landscape.