It is quite clear that when Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine, the Russian president wasn’t expecting significant resistance. Ukraine’s fight has been aided by the pledges made by its Western allies, but have they delivered on their promises?

China is a powerhouse in global trade. Its rapid growth has been significantly fuelled by decades of rising exports, bringing new emphasis to the role ports play in trade and strategic relations.

Myanmar's many ethnic divisions have proved an inhibiting challenge for national unification and development. At the forefront of the current ethnic conflict is the unlikely alliance between Monks and the military. 

US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland’s regional South Asian visit to Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka provided for a welcome, yet highly charged affair. For Nepal, while new development prospects are welcome, the pressure to choose sides between China and the US is unwanted.

There is a possible basis for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. This would involve a UN-supervised referendum for the residents in each of the disputed territories.

This month marks one year since the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano and the subsequent tsunami that devastated Tonga. Australia, Tonga, and other partners have worked long and hard over the past year to restore Tonga’s agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and the livelihoods of its people. 

The analogy of a new Cold War has been taken up by pundits to draw distinction on the destabilization of relations between China and the United States. The simplification has it uses, but in the growing rivalry nuance and understanding is the surer bet. 

Populism has become a loaded word, often hurled at anyone critical of the status quo. But it is hardly an illegitimate reaction. From a political economy perspective, it makes perfect sense. 

China's new Global Security Initiative promises a reformed regional and global security architecture. Even as its actions speak otherwise, Beijing is striving full ahead with its win-win phraseology. It's purpose - to delegitimise new security groupings. 

The race for space-based solar power is underway between China and the United States. Great power competition has now transcended to space.