Hugh White’s latest essay warns that Australia must urgently prepare for a post-American regional order shaped by great power rivalry
The last decade has seen a substantial rise in scholarly writings on the value of diplomacy. American political scientist David
Russia’s ambitions to become a Pacific great power have been marked by repeated failures, shaped by deep structural and historical
Fareed Zakaria explores how periods of rapid economic and technological change often unleash cultural anxiety and political backlash. In Age
By focusing on Stalin’s decision-making processes and the geopolitical manoeuvrings that defined Soviet-Finnish relations, Kimmo Rentola provides valuable insight into
Sten Rynning traces the political history of NATO from its inception in 1949, through to the ongoing Ukraine War and
Do preferential trade agreements truly help African economies, or do they keep them trapped in a cycle of dependency? In
A broad and timely introduction to the challenges of technology governance, Marcus Smith’s Techno: Humans and Technology invites readers into
Thomas Hale’s book Long Problems skilfully unpacks the issue of time that prevents humans to adequately formulate and implement responses.
Amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and tumult, Paul Tucker draws on International Relations theory, political economy, tangible examples, and his own
Based on in-depth analysis of opinion polls available for the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, the book
Evan Mawdsley’s Supremacy at Sea is an engaging and fast moving account of the opening moves of the U.S. Navy's
Examining the Chinese Communist Party’s century-long trajectory, this volume analyses its resilience, ideological governance, and modernisation strategies. While offering rich
Hansbury’s book examines Belarus’s 2020 uprising, Lukashenka’s survival strategies, and the West’s response. While insightful and engaging, it overlooks key
Mixed Fortunes by Paul Tilley delves into our past successes – which are few and far between – and failures
Ahead of the 2025 Filipino general election, political tensions surrounding President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. have captured global attention. In
Hawai‘i’s Chinese community has played a pivotal yet often overlooked role in the islands’ history, shaping its social and economic
Climate change is an existential threat for Pacific nations and Australia, according to the authors of Climate politics in Oceania:
The recently published memoirs of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel are fuelling the present-day criticism of her legacy. And it
Kushner’s The Geography of Injustice unravels the contested war crimes trials and lingering memory of Japanese wartime atrocities, offering critical
Capturing News, Capturing Democracy highlights how government capture of media, exemplified by the Voice of America under the Trump administration,
Australia is debating how best to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for economic growth, especially to boost its long-sluggish productivity. In
The world is entering a new Cold War between the United States and China, requiring a comprehensive, aggressive strategy to
Slick by Royce Kurmelovs is a compelling exploration of how the fossil fuel industry has managed to maintain its dominance
In Canada First, Not Canada Alone, Chapnick and McKercher make a renewed case for understanding Canada’s place in world politics
Geoff Raby's new book examines the evolving power dynamics in Core Eurasia, focusing on the competition between China and Russia,
“Repeat: A Warning From History” is Dennis Glover's new book that looks to the future as much as the past.
Harrison's groundbreaking study reveals how military conscription has been weaponised as a tool of genocide, with devastating case studies from
Kevin Rudd’s new book, “On Xi Jinping,” offers insightful analysis of the transformation of Chinese politics, economics, and foreign policy
In “South Sudan's Fateful Struggle,” Steven Roach presents the history and fundamental causes driving conflict in the world's youngest country.
“The Dragon Roars Back” is a deep-dive into the leadership and foreign policy of the People's Republic of China. With
Allan Behm's undertaking of the odd couple relationship that characterises the Australia-American relationship is refreshing and bold. Australia's foreign policy
In ”Smoke and Ashes,” Amitav Ghosh takes the reader through a broad, yet deeply personal exploration of opium's history, its
The US has stumbled into at least two “New Cold Wars,” according to David Sanger. And as he writes, this
I Will Show You How It Was is a personal Ukrainian perspective on the realities of the Russian invasion of
Gary Bass's new book takes the reader through a detailed account of the “Tokyo Trials”; court sessions held by the
Named after a particularly eventful year in German history, 1923 is a book that examines the economic and political context
Indonesia’s farming sector is shrinking, with modern challenges like urban migration, reliance on imports, and declining land availability threatening food
America in the World is a collection of key US diplomatic documents from the Spanish-American War to the Biden administration.
This history of Japanese earthquake prediction provides a compelling account of how disaster policies are made and unmade. It offers
It’s an achievement for Adrian Karatnycky to analyse over three decades of Ukrainian independence and six presidents in 306 pages.
This book analyses the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan post-2021, examining how the group's governance strategies and international relationships
Base Towns investigates the emergence of anti-US military movements across East Asia. The author's study highlights significant local differences, offering
Helen Fry's book sheds light on the untold stories of women who defied barriers to excel in intelligence roles during
The book deals with “The China-Australia Migration Corridor,” the largest and longest established of China-Australia flows. It provides valuable information
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s recent book gives readers insight into his Christian evangelical thinking. However, outside of AUKUS and
The Obama administration’s Pivot to Asia was the right idea at the right time, according to a new book by
The Iraqi Ba’ath regime’s murderous attacks on Kurdish populations in the 1970s and 1980s had ongoing impacts on Kurds in
As it is with all legends, the more distant the memory, the greater the reverence and the sketchier the details.
Nabila Ramdani's Fixing France explores the paradox of a nation that claims to be egalitarian yet is profoundly divided along
Eastern Europe's transformation since the fall of the Berlin Wall still highlights deep East-West divides. Till Hilmar's book explores how
Freudenberg published “At What Cost” in 2021, documenting the exponential rise of corporate control of the health economy, and cataloguing
On the fortieth anniversary of the ANZUS alliance, Coral Bell reflected on its significance for Australia in 1991 and the
Niki Alsford’s recent book, “Taiwan Lives,” explores how the Taiwanese people have transformed their home, a product of settler colonialism,
In their interesting, carefully crafted book on the problems facing liberal international order, Peter Trubowitz and Brian Burgoon argue that,
Taylor Boas convincingly argues that evangelical religious affiliations or congregations are not monolithic. This is due to different levels of
In this volume, Miaad A. Hassan takes issue with “defined” political and social systems, and outlines how majorities and minorities
The subtitle of Chodor and Hameiri’s book is “Learning the Lessons from Australia’s COVID-19 Response.” There is one lesson in
Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's latest book, Why Bharat Matters, offers a deep look at the civilisational turn in India's
America’s foreign policy has always been a battleground between isolationist and internationalist forces, according to Charles Kupchan. The tussle continues
In the shadow of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East it is challenging to imagine a farewell to
How should the West view China’s rise on the global stage? Kerry Brown’s China Incorporated challenges common misconceptions of China’s
Nicholas J. Cull highlights the importance of proactively preserving a nation’s public image. Debunking negative propaganda in retrospect might not
O'Keefe’s book on Australian foreign policymaking provides an extensive overview, especially of Australia’s major diplomatic relationships. This work goes far
In this thought-provoking book Yasheng Huang seeks to explain the unique stability of the Chinese political system over 1500 years
Under Xi Jinping, China has returned to ideology-based policies and abandoned collective leadership, according to Steve Tsang and Olivia Cheung.
An interesting insight into insurgencies is that they rarely succeed. David H. Ucko’s Insurgent’s Dilemma: A Struggle to Prevail shows
Kaamil Ahmed’s documentation of the Rohingya’s plight details their trauma, death, and despair. The book’s telling of their human longing
In his third edition of “India after Gandhi,” historian Ramachandra Guha argues that India is now in the middle of
In her book, Séverine Autesserre investigates the persistence of an “unlikely peace” in certain conflict-ridden areas like Idjwi in Congo
Australia is seemingly focused on the red centre and the wealth generated by its vast farms and mines. Ian Hoskins’
As a middle power in an increasingly volatile and contested region, Geoff Heriot argues that Australian Governments need to be
For a long time, India’s academic and foreign policy circles have suffered from a “blind spot” on Myanmar, despite the
Anthony Cooper, together with Thorsten Perl, provides a well-researched account of a British air raid on Berlin, in December 1943.
Charles Dunst, current foreign policy advisor to Colorado Democratic Senator Michael F. Bennet, offers a perspective on how democracies can
Professor G. John Ikenberry argues that the grand project of liberal internationalism is in crisis today. But he believes there
Professors John Mearsheimer and Sebastian Rosato contest the view that states frequently act irrationally. In response, they propose their own
Krishnan Nayar’s big history exemplifies our general willingness to take positions on national histories and political arrangements without bothering to
Donald Trump is an endlessly fascinating political figure for Australians, not just because of the experience of his 2017-2021 presidency,
The American government is taking advantage of its central position in many global networks to pursue its security interests through
Sam Roggeveen takes issue with assumptions concerning the staying power of the United States in East Asia, while also arguing
Victor D. Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo’s Korea, a New History of South & North is a highly engaging essay
Semiconductors moved to the heart of geopolitics during the postwar period, from the Cold War to the 1990/91 Gulf War.
Isaac Saney offers an authoritative account of Cuba’s role in liberating Namibia and South Africa that is centred on the
The authors of this timely edition provide the reader with new and engaging perspectives on the Kim Jung-un regime. Neither
Ajay Gudavarthy unpacks the success of the political right in India. In addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime
Europe made great progress towards a “whole and free” continent during the 35 years until 2007/08, when a cascade of
Given the continued relevance of neoliberal economic policy in India, it becomes imperative to investigate the domestic roots of such
Martin Wolf’s new book dissects in great depth the threat of a “crisis of democratic capitalism.” He leaves this reader
The contested history of the partition of India, and ultimately Pakistan's formation, is divulged in this book. Issues arise from
This book traces US diplomacy, relations, and activity in Southeast Asia through recent history, highlighting both the strengths and flaws
The challenge of creating and breaking coded messages has been a crucial part of intelligence work for centuries. From cracking
Professor Raina MacIntyre proposes that we are entirely too complacent about the risks of pandemics. According to the author, pandemics
Violence and crime contribute to one of Latin America’s most pressing social problems. This book provides an overview of this
Australia has implemented some effective responses to the challenges posed by China to its security. But Canberra still lacks an
Despite increasing awareness of the need for reform, police abuse and violence remain a major problem in the United States.
Following the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, it was recognised that international controls were essential
Elizabeth Buchanan notes that publishing a book just as the central character invades a neighbouring country presents an array of
In the field of international relations, numerous publications have examined the dynamics of US-China relations in recent years. Steve Chan
In this latest volume, Joseph MacKay offers a novel approach to understanding counterinsurgency. From its historical roots to the contemporary,
This volume brings together some of the most perceptive social scientists doing empirical work on Dominican politics. They assess the
In his 100th year, Henry Kissinger showed his continuing personal vitality and global relevance by sharing his wisdom and experience
In Australia, there is an absence of practical legal protections for whistleblowers making the act of blowing the metaphorical whistle
Relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated drastically since the optimistic days of the 1980s and 90s. This is
Did the Forever Wars borne out of the War on Terror produce the administration of Donald Trump? According to the
In this telling of Australia's long-term assistance mission to the Solomon Islands, author Michael Wesley dives deep into Australia's foreign
In the discussion of British antislavery activity, Raphaël Cheriau posits that English international diplomacy may have shaped a new theory
Over the past century, the US has known two domestic political orders – the “New Deal Order” and the “Neoliberal
Dr Bob Bowker is a former Australian diplomat, intelligence analyst, and academic who has followed affairs in the Middle East
In his new book, Pacific Power Paradox, Van Jackson seeks to correct our vision of the past through his argument
In Enemies Near and Far, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Thomas Joscelyn provide a theoretical framework for how terrorist groups innovate their
This book recenters the role of historians in the debate on foreign policy and political significance. To address the challenges
It is easy to think and talk about drones and warfare in terms of distances and lives saved. This volume
This volume offers a compelling analysis of how neoliberalism has impacted conservative, nationalistic movements and the gendered and racialised violence
In their book, Danger Zone: The Coming Conflict with China, Hal Brands and Michael Beckley argue that China is passing
This important book returns the rich and contextually valuable perspectives of different peoples to the policy forefront. The broad divisiveness
The latest book by Richard Hanania examines American historic and contemporary foreign policy decisions through the lens of public choice
It has recently become fashionable in Washington and other defence and foreign policy establishments to view China as eternally devious.
Julia Margaret Zulver’s High-Risk Feminism in Colombia comes at just the right moment. Over the last decade, Latin America’s bottom-up
The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) safeguards system defends human civilisation. Trevor Findlay’s book casts new light on one of
Michael Mandelbaum’s latest book takes readers through America’s rise from weak, settler-nation to hyper-power hegemon over the past 250 years.
The United States is going through a profound transition to which there are only difficult and costly choices. In this
Under the leadership of Abe Shinzo, Japan devised a grand strategy for managing China’s rising economic and military power. In
Julia Gillard’s sexism and misogyny speech is now regarded as a defining moment in Australian political history. This book documents
What explains the diversity in policy responses, actions, and narratives of great powers? In this timely analysis, the author examines
James Cotton’s selection of key documents from Australia’s diplomatic history in the 1930s extensively details Australia’s historical commitment to principled
Australia today is ideally positioned – geographically and civilizationally – to work between Asian-region societies and Western states in “updating”
Following the recent 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), China will likely accelerate efforts to transform the
As Australia’s new government attempts to reset the country’s troubled relationship with China, James Curran’s new book reminds us that
Nicholas Mulder explores the historical use of economic sanctions. He uncovers how this coercive wartime tool was turned into a
Terrorist organisations need money to carry out their activities. Jessica Davis uncovers the many ways terrorist organisations procure and protect
The CCP now has both the capability and intent to compete in and win geostrategic contests. The more contested strategic
David Horner’s account of Australia’s management of its wars between 1914 and 2003 surveys the big decisions involved. It covers
The divide between Republicans and Democrats is widely seen as the most fundamental one in contemporary American politics. Yanna Krupnikov
Fiona Hill fears that American politics will head in a Russian-style authoritarian direction unless it can restore the infrastructure of
Rahul Sagar’s To Raise A Fallen People: How Nineteenth-Century Indians Saw Their World and Shaped Ours provides a window into
We are currently living in a new era, that of the strongman, according to Gideon Rachman. And this era arguably
The sharing of power between popes and kings was a longstanding feature of Western European politics. Professor Bruce Bueno de
When God Stops Fighting: How Religious Violence Ends is the culmination of three decades of research from one of the
Borne out of her gruelling experience of living in Iranian prisons for two years comes a compelling memoir where Dr
Five political revolutions, from the American revolution to the Russian revolution, offer lessons on how to manage the forces of
On the Idea of Humanitarian Intervention: A New Compartmentalization of IR Theories delves into the minefield of international relations theory
Narratives of Statelessness and Political Otherness examines what it means in everyday life for those who are stateless and marginalised
Understanding Presidential Doctrines demonstrates a comprehensive, balanced, and central dual study of US presidential doctrines and foreign policy. The book
The Ethics of Exile: A Political Theory of Diaspora tells a different story of migration. Ashwini Vasanthakumar reveals the stories
Salvador Regilme seeks to understand how US foreign aid has impacted human rights in Southeast Asia during the post-Cold War
Joe Hockey served as Australia’s ambassador to the United States in the last year of President Barack Obama’s term and
Australia now appears to live in a new and less predictable world. If, as most agree, this is true, a
History seems to be accelerating with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, following in the footsteps of COVID-19 and the rise of
Australian Institute of International Affairs National President Allan Gyngell starts his history of Australian foreign policy with the observation that
Book Review: Europe in an Era of Growing Sino-American Competition: Coping with an Unstable Triangle
Geopolitical competition between the US and China can provoke dangerous status conflicts for which Europe seems ill-prepared. This edited collection
Tharoor provides a scathing criticism of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While Tharoor is a member of the opposition,
In The Invisibility Bargain: Governance, Networks and Human Security, Jeffrey Pugh focuses on Ecuador's immigration policies from 2000 to 2017.
The world is still in a state of shock as it seeks to analyse and understand Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
“Good international citizenship” (GIC) was a major theme in Gareth Evans’s role as Australia’s foreign minister and has also featured
Dennis Altman explores the durability and continuing influence of monarchies. Altman effectively balances both the criticisms and potential benefits of
Collision Course charts the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. It delves into the nitty-gritty and complexities of the international
The global ruptures brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have created a profound moment of political transformation, teeming with possibilities for
Public Intellectual seeks to reveal how Richard Falk became prominent in America and internationally as a public intellectual and citizen
Abe Shinzō was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister. But his legacy will be mixed at best, according to a recent volume
In the age of neoliberal globalisation, regional integration is conceptualised predominantly in economic terms. Power Relations and Comparative Regionalism argues
The origins of COVID-19 are rather murky, as Jasper Becker argues in “Made in China.” We need an independent inquiry
Through this collection of interviews, Chomsky highlights many issues facing contemporary society. The book discusses the pandemic and the rise
Adolescents in Humanitarian Crisis offers an insight into issues facing adolescents in crisis situations. It spans multiple regions and issues,
Christopher Bickerton and Carlo Invernizzi Accetti describe, define, and diagnose what they consider to be a new logic of democratic
Feargal Cochrane’s new book, Northern Ireland: The Fragile Peace, offers an insightful account of the long struggle to achieve peace
Recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, acknowledges the mental distress suffered by veterans of war. Tine Molendjik argues that
At their very foundation, human rights violations are examples of the cruelty of mankind. Through poetic and real-world analysis, Stuart
The context of Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament is the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
David Brophy's new book, China Panic, offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of the deterioration of Australia’s relations with China.
Australian foreign ministers are inclined to admonish other governments for not respecting human rights. They betray double standards by ignoring
Roger Garside predicts that China’s strongman leader Xi Jinping will soon be removed from office in an internal Communist Party
Conflict along the Sino-Indian border has brought home for India the reality of dealing with a powerful neighbor. An unintended
Greg Dodds’ alternative account of the Vietnam War is a captivating memoire. It is detailed, personal, and provides on-the-ground context
The rise of China as a revisionist power has also marked a return of geopolitics and great power politics in
Participation in global value chains has been the key factor driving China’s exports and economic development, according to Professor Yuqing
Yes, James Callaghan was an underrated British prime minister. Hickson and Miles present a compelling psychological portrait of a fervent
Afghanistan’s major regional external stakeholders, Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iran, will play a major role in that country’s future. But
Peter Hartcher’s new book provides a forensic analysis of the deterioration in the Australia-China relationship, with insights and insider information.
The Tiananmen Square Massacre offered a violent glimpse into the nature of Chinese politics under a communist government. In his
Obama’s account of his movement from lower reaches of Democrat politics to the White House is compelling reading. It is
Kishore Mahbubani argues the US has launched a contest with China, while ignoring the advice that geopolitical sage George Kennan
Global demand for rare metals is rapidly rising. Guillaume Pitron explores and exposes the geopolitical, economic, environmental, and societal impacts
Joko Widodo’s victory in the presidential race in 2014 challenged the previously elitist political establishment. His victory represented change, however
One part of China's Belt and Road Initiative is a high-speed train project from Kunming, China through Southeast Asia to
Mohammed Ayoob and Danielle N. Lussier demonstrate both an impressive breadth and depth of expertise. The second edition of The
According to Bill Hayton, the modern Chinese state was constructed, or “invented,” at the end of the Qing Dynasty, based
The 20th century saw unprecedented social changes which heightened women’s inclusion in public life. Jacqui True’s new book depicts the
Jonah Schulhofer-Wohl presents a compelling case for why we must think anew about how civil wars end and how the
International relations are more than just government. With relations between Canberra and Beijing at a stalemate, the story of AFL
The dominant narrative in Southeast Asia is that China is drawing all the region’s states into its sphere of influence.
Increasingly politicians are realising climate change is quickly spiralling out of control, with limited time left to dispel the threat.
The United States is a country that has lost its way in the emerging Asian Century. The new administration will
The tribal areas of Pakistan have played a critical role in the security of the country since Partition, particularly since
Noah Riseman and Shirleene Robinson aim to rectify the unwritten nature of the history of LGBTI experiences in the Australian
Japan hasn’t always been recognised for its domestic or international economic leadership. However, in this new book, Saori Katada details
Sue Boyd was a trailblazing diplomat at a time when women were just starting to make a name for themselves
Australia's very future could be threatened by the deterioration in relations with China. A former Australian ambassador offers some new
Despite recent advances in renewable energy production, we still live in a fossil-fuel driven civilisation. The global energy challenge of
US-Pakistan relations have always been difficult and became particularly prickly at the height of the war in neighbouring Afghanistan. Washington
The people of West Papua, Indonesia have been sold down the river by international politics. They are now fighting ever
Many Americans think their country is in bad shape. George Friedman's close examination of American history indicates that the country
Status considerations have been a key factor influencing Beijing’s decisions on intervention at the UN Security Council. As China settles
Proximity matters, and so too do acute political and socioeconomic inequalities. These are the twin premises of this fascinating collection
Energy security has been a fraught issue in Australia for more than a decade. But if you want to see
The US/China relationship -- arguably the most important in the world -- is on a downward spiral. The authors of
The long saga of WikiLeaks continues and Julian Assange now faces extradition to the US to be tried for espionage.
The Chinese Communist Party's global influence operations are covert but pervasive, and are undermining Western democratic institutions. Hidden Hand is
China’s developmental peace approach to North Korea reads like a soft carrot and stick approach. The intensity can vary according
In his early career, Malcolm Turnbull showed brilliance as a lawyer, entrepreneur, and investment banker. These should have earned him
Regime leaders in Iran are adept at using media and popular culture to foster support. Narges Bajoghli helps readers understand
By most accounts, China has behaved badly through the COVID-19 pandemic. Fascinating insights can be derived about China’s present behaviour
The Caribbean geopolitical area has been quite neglected in the study of international affairs. The area was a crucial site
The US and its allies have engaged in multiple conflicts over the past three decades. This has given adversaries plenty
Counterinsurgency has become a tool for interventions of one state to “rescue” another state from insurgency. In this book, Miles
The idea of the Indo-Pacific has rapidly become a major part of policy and analytical discussion in Australia. Few people
The Australian Treasury’s initial purpose was to be a bookkeeper and budget manager for the new commonwealth government. A couple
Trump’s “America First” policies have paved the way for regional powers to assert their own local agendas. Sreeram Chaulia examines
While Australia’s commemoration of the centenary of the First World War is now over, it behoves us to remember that,
A close examination of ports and other infrastructure projects in Indonesia and Australia brings to light a paradox of success
Robert Bowker uses long-secret cabinet notebooks to throw light on Australian political decision-making in the Suez Crisis of 1956, when
Vogel offers a holistic and historical perspective on the relationship between China and Japan. This perspective forms a useful basis
Pemberton's collection of books offers many competent perspectives on the state of international relations in the post-WWI epoch, with certain and
Richard Gate's memoirs are a fascinating overview of his overseas postings presented in an episodic fashion. From his upbringing to
Srinivasan, Mayall, and Pulipaka offer a thorough insight into how cultural values, supranational institutions, and ideology influence foreign policymaking. This
David Cameron’s memoir appropriately highlights the successes of his Conservative government but is marred by his twisted justifications of the
Tim Bowden takes a compassionate yet irreverent look at the experiences of Australian diggers in World War II. Even today,
In his book, former Russian Embassy staffer Tony Kevin offers a defence of Russian policy that is a counterpoint to
The National President of the AIIA, Allan Gyngell, launched a new book, Meeting Saddam’s Men: Looking for Iraq’s Weapons of
Partition Voices accounts for the survivors of mass atrocities that took place during India’s partition. Their voices are not just
“The Solidarity Challenge” is the story of John Burgess, who was the former Australian Ambassador to Poland from 1980-81. His
Brian Toohey's book, "Secret," offers an scathing assessment of Australia's decision making in defence and foreign policy. “We the Government
Disclaimer: This piece has been postponed and will be published on the 3rd of September 2019.
While not an easy read, Zorawar Daulet Singh’s book provides rich and timely lessons for contemporary debates about India’s strategic
A curious element of Hugh White’s argument for a massive restructure and rebuilding of Australian defence is that a war
Australia’s options for defending itself are in the news with the release of Hugh White’s How to Defend Australia. Will it shake
Hugh White should be praised for getting Australians to think the unthinkable and alerting them to our deteriorating strategic situation,
David Walker’s latest book is masterfully written and also makes some interesting choices about what it does or doesn’t include.
Has Francis Fukuyama once again provided the key to making sense of the confusion going on around us, including in
In Thai Military Power: A Culture of Strategic Accommodation, Greg Raymond outlines the historical context and strategic thinking behind Thailand’s
In Eric Drummond and his Legacies: The League of Nations and the Beginnings of Global Governance, David Macfadyen, Michael DV
Benjamin Isakhan, Shamiran Mako and Fadi Dawood’s edited collection State and Society in Iraq: Citizenship Under Occupation, Dictatorship and Democratisation
Alyssa Ayres’ Our Time Has Come: How India is Making its Place in the World is an ambitious, evidence-packed and
Eileen Chanin’s Capital Designs: Australia House and Visions of an Imperial London is a meticulously researched and illustrated account of
In Bapak Angkatan Udara: Suryadi Suryadarma, Adityawarman Suryadarma gives a biographical account of his father’s life and career as the
Kenneth B Pyle’s Japan in the American Century taps the author’s extensive knowledge of Japanese history to deliver an in-depth
Brendan Taylor’s The Four Flashpoints: How Asia Goes to War is a model of policy-engaged scholarship that should be required
In Rise and Resist, Clare Press takes a look at the developments in 21st-century democracy. She explores the new counterculture
“Intelligence and the Function of Government”, edited by Daniel Baldino and Rhys Crawley, contains a great deal of useful material
Island off the Coast of Asia – Instruments of Statecraft in Australian Foreign Policy written by Clinton Fernandes is a
The United States has lost its political and moral primacy and is now confronting an increasingly assertive China. As power
On the centenary of the Armistice ending World War I, there are still lessons to be drawn by modern commanding
The discipline of International Relations is at a crossroad. Its orthodox view of the history of modern international relations has
The rise of populists, a growing number of authoritarian regimes and an apparent loss of confidence in democratic politicians have
Despite the coming demise of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the volume is a timely reminder of the limited
A transnational textbook illustrates the complexity of current-day diplomacy at a time of unprecedented disruption. University textbooks that highlight the
This book makes for an excellent primer on issues of Asia-Pacific security, with 12 chapters exploring both traditional and non-traditional
Understanding political processes in a country of Indonesia’s geography and population size—not to mention ethnic, religious and socio-economic heterogeneity—is a
Although it joins a growing list of jeremiads about the possible end of Western civilisation, Edward Luce’s book usefully puts
Asia is commonly depicted as the most rapidly growing and economically dynamic region in the world. John West's book offers
The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner comes out 60 years after most of the events it describes have
Nostalgia paints 1948-1958 as a golden era of economic growth and modernisation in Venezuela. Lisa Blackmore challenges these views by
The political, economic and security power play between China and India, arguably the two most critical Asian powers today, is
This is a fascinating book by a pioneer of international relations scholarship in Australia. Tony Palfreeman founded the study of
In the post-World War II period, significant shifts have occurred in the place of Indigenous servicemen and servicewomen in the
One of the key lessons of Kautilya’s great manual of statecraft, the Arthashastra, is that the effective management of an
How well did former diplomat Sir Keith Waller measure up against the three duties of the diplomat outlined by Arthur
As the holiday season comes to an end, we thought it a good time to take stock of some of
What will an Asia-Pacific without America look like? In this topical and critically important essay, Hugh White discusses the scenario
Transitional justice has emerged, over the last three decades, as a globally recognised approach to addressing one of the greatest
International Relations has long been dominated by classical and often Anglo-American theorists. This book seeks to address this issue by exploring
The tongue in cheek title of this book by a highly regarded anti-corruption expert belies its excellence. It is a
The Anarchical Society, undoubtedly Hedley Bull’s most famous work, turned 40 in 2017. The Anarchical Society at 40: Contemporary Challenges and
This is a powerful narrative, providing an insider’s perspective to events of relevance in Pakistan’s history and politics as well
The need to understand the intersection between international relations and technology theory is more important than ever. While one book
Labelling particular ideas as conspiracy theories delegitimises the real complaints of many in the Muslim world about US foreign policy
In 53 chapters and more than 1,000 pages, this substantial work of scholarship charts the rapid philosophical and theoretical development
Did the Pact of Paris of 1928 successfully outlaw war? Many historians have argued to the contrary but this engagingly
In this short but important book, Robert Manne presents a systematic intellectual history of the personalities, texts and, most crucially,
Challenging orthodox views is not an easy matter and the contributors to The Honest History Book have done significant thinking
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to revive the ancient trade routes that once connected Europe with Asia,
Gareth Evans' memoir makes clear his vision of good international citizenship would have foreign ministers pursuing national self-interest within the
Paul Williams’ book demonstrates a strong understanding of Africa’s diverse and dynamic warscapes. However, whilst it carries valuable insights about
This book reminds us that the political structures and practices of today's Malaysian politics were heavily shaped by what is
Two important recent developments, the retirement of the former main trading partner, the United States, from the embryonic Trans-Pacific Partnership
With Fear of Abandonment, Allan Gyngell has produced the first systematic history of Australian foreign policy since T. B. Millar’s
The resurgence of militant Islam underway in the Middle East reached a crescendo when Islamic State took Aleppo and Mosul
Opinions differ on how to achieve Asia-Pacific economic integration in a post-TPP era. Are regional trade deals small steps towards
Between 1945 and 1951, the Allied powers–the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Republic of China, France
The Maisky Diaries – a major resource in historical diplomacy. Between 1932 and 1943 Ivan Maisky served as the Soviet
At the concluding news conference of the annual AUSMIN talks between American and Australian senior ministers, familiar words rolled off
The executive branch, especially the president, dominates the creation of US foreign policy. While it is true that such a
Russia’s aggression against Georgia and Ukraine as well as its reluctance to resolve the frozen conflicts in the region demonstrate
There is no doubt that the appearance of the latest edited volume by Peter J. Dean, Stephan Frühling and Brendan
If we’d had a competition for the most admired voice in Australian broadcasting, certainly the most distinctive, chances are the
Professor William Maley’s book, What is a Refugee? seeks to contribute to the knowledge of the general reader about the complexity
Judging by the plethora of recent books and academic articles, the field of transitional justice scholarship is booming. A gradual
Papua New Guinea rarely figures in public discussions about Australia’s defence and security planning. Australia’s policy tunnel vision focuses almost
East Timor Intervention: A Retrospective on INTERFET, edited by John Blaxland, is an exemplary piece of work and recommended reading
International relations experts and practitioners have tended to frame the responsibility to protect principle (R2P) as a radical departure from
The title of James Curran’s new book, Fighting with America, is deliberately ambiguous. Australia has repeatedly fought alongside America but
The notion of an Indo-Pacific region has now been circulating for at least half a decade. It first emerged in
This book contributes meaningfully to a small but steadily growing body of literature that seeks to move away from the
The development of the United States’ maritime strategy remains a source of enduring fascination for naval watchers. Peter D. Haynes’
As an Australian focused on Latin America, I am frequently asked, “Why Latin America?” This edited book comes at a
Regions are not some natural or objective outcome of geography. They are a social construct. The idea of a region
Given Russia’s return to the world stage in the Caucasus, in Ukraine and in Syria, plus the allegations of involvement
One of the many over-valued witticisms of Winston Churchill concerns the slice of Europe known as the Balkans: ‘The Balkans
There is clearly a demand for the histories of Australians’ experiences in war. In 2015 we observed the centenary of
November 2012 witnessed China’s second orderly succession of power, with Xi Jinping taking control of both the Chinese Communist Party
For Desmond Ball, the completion of Power and International Relations: Essays in Honour of Coral Bell was a labour of love.
One of the puzzles of Myanmar's political transition is the June 2011 collapse of the ceasefire that had been in
How did terrorists get so tech-savvy? What is it about the Islamic State’s social media communication that managed to attract
Does Asia dominate Australia’s economic future? Is China just for big business? Why are South Koreans eating so much Aussie
No two countries have more at stake in the management of the US-China relationship than Australia and Japan. China is
When Professor Derek McDougall wrote the first edition of this book in 2002, he lamented the relative under-development of the
The discourse on the geopolitical and geoeconomic significance of BRICS has been polarised since Brazil, Russia, India and China met
Speeches on foreign affairs often begin with the claim that we are living in a period of unprecedented change. Equally
David Envall belongs to a new generation of Australian scholars specialising in the study of the political and international dynamics
The multilateral trading system governed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is in serious trouble. In this book, Rorden Wilkinson
I first read this book in the warm humid climate of northern Queensland. As in Java, volcanic activity early in
A striking feature of the development of the Anzac legend over the past hundred years has been the incorporation of
The relevance of an Islamic Republic to an atheist China has been explained in multiple ways: Pakistan's brokerage of China's
The fact that infectious disease outbreaks have more reach in our increasingly globalised world is not very contentious. However, up
Mustafa Hamid and Leah Farrall brush aside the inconsistencies that illustrate the myth of jihad in order to clarify the
On the basis of experience and ability, Paul Hasluck should have been one of Australia’s greatest foreign ministers. Before he
Since the United Kingdom joined the European Communities in 1973, successive prime ministers have sought to make the relationship one
Reviewing an edited book is a unique challenge as it involves critiquing the work not of one scholar but of
The author is a former American diplomat who has written a useful technical book on his guild. Written at a
Australian foreign policy studies seems to be a field undergoing a mini-decline these days. Looking around our universities and think
TAKING ON THE MURDOCHS – THE DYNASTY TEETERS The name of Milly Dowler will always remain as a catalyst in
Historian of Australian foreign policy and India expert, Meg Gurry provides an engaging account of the ebb and flow of
David Kilcullen’s third book, ‘Out of the Mountains – The Coming Age of the Urban Guerrilla’ adds significantly to the
Scholarship on North Korea tends to be done, mostly, by seasoned journalists and members of the diplomatic community, speaking
Will China dominate the 21st century? Jonathan Fenby, prolific author and long-term China-watcher, responds with an emphatic 'no'. In his
For most, it would be no long stretch of the imagination to conceive of transformational change as non-linear and contestable.
Long after the dust of catastrophic events has settled and the reports are written, historians come to pick through
Australia’s relationship with Japan is one of the longest, most important and trouble-free bilateral relationships since the Second World War.
This clearly composed and well written study challenges those interested in the impact of regional organisations in the realisation of
For those of us who laboured in the Canberra Press Gallery during the heady 80’s and attempted interviews with Gareth
China’s Naval Power: an offensive realist approach provides a thoughtful analysis of one the most important strategic issues of our
Any attempt to bridge the divide between scholars and policy-makers in international affairs is so welcome that I couldn't help but
This is a timely publication. It notes Australia’s transition from a focus on multilateral trade liberalisation during the final quarter
While serving as a young Israel Defence Force officer in Gaza in the 1970s, Ahron Bregman became acutely aware of
My colleague Stephan Frühling has written a marvellous book on the vexed subject of how to handle the uncertainties that
In this innovative and important new book, Danielle Chubb examines how political activism in South Korea has come to shape
The editors of this handsomely produced volume pay tribute to an Australian historian of foreign policy whose long career at
A question to tax the most devoted Australian foreign affairs tragic: Name the four Liberal foreign affairs ministers who served
In his keynote address to world leaders at the G20 Summit in Brisbane last November, Australia's Prime Minister, Tony Abbott,
How did we end up with a world divided, in political terms, into 200 sovereign states? This is a major
In analysing foreign policy, the great forces of national power and politics can dominate explanations and expectations. Personalities bob and
This book is an original and stimulating contribution to two literatures that generally subsist apart; the literature of the international
This path-breaking and innovative book by Rodan and Hughes tackles one of the most important questions in comparative politics: why
The anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol, which entered into force ten years ago today, gives us pause to reflect on
Women in International Relations: are we still in the kitchen? Where are the women? Are we still in the kitchen
As one of the hallmarks of Indonesia’s democratization process, decentralization has received plenty of academic attention in recent years. One
Is there a common model of politics across East Asia? This is the question animating Bruce Gilley’s comprehensive and provocative
‘Comparative Study of Child Soldiering on Myanmar-China Border’ is a technical monograph examining the extremely important issue of child soldiering
When did the discipline of international relations make its appearance in Australian universities and who were its most influential early
The Menzies Era is an interesting innovation, which does not fit easily into any of the standard genres. It is
The Vietnam War has become a touchstone for abject failure in war, a reference point by which to navigate the
Most days, there’s a story in the Indonesian news on ‘korupsi’ (corruption) involving Indonesian politics; needless to say, political parties
This book is a study of the life of Professor William Macmahon Ball (known as ‘Mac’), focusing particularly on his
Myanmar is one of the most important cases of potential democratisation in the world today. Ruled for decades by an
Zone of Crisis is a very apt description of what this very informative book is about. Professor Saikal reviews each
It is fashionable for strategic analysts to claim to understand India's growing role and the increasing centrality of the Indian
Government leaders from around the world will meet in Paris in November 2015 in the latest attempt to secure an
The spike in global food prices in 2007-2008 caused panic among consumers and governments in developing countries dependent on imported
Japan has long been characterised as a passive actor in international politics, reacting to rather than acting in the face
This important book seeks to unravel a commercial puzzle. The reality is that the European Union (EU) and Australia have
Malcolm Fraser’s book Dangerous Allies is the latest round in a debate that can be traced back at least as
Indian foreign policy is often described as having shed its ‘postcolonial baggage’, having had a moralistic ‘chip on its shoulder’
In recent years, Japan appears to have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Despite Prime Minister Shinzo
At the International Studies Association Convention in Toronto in March, Michael Haas chaired a roundtable where he presented his newest
Neville Maxwell has long been known to specialists as a London Times reporter at the time of the India-China war
Wellington’s alliance dispute with Washington over port access by United States vessels in the wake of New Zealand’s nuclear-free policy
The approaching centenary of World War I has triggered some public questioning about the scale, character and purpose of the
Even in the year of that Australia holds the presidency, few Australians are deeply familiar with the G20, how it operates
In February 1983 the Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, fretted over speculation that Bob Hawke was about to topple Bill Hayden
Dead Reckoning is Sarmila Bose’s attempt to find a middle, and more factual, ground at the intersection of conflicting accounts
During the past decade, the U.S. military has shifted its strategic thinking to refocus the ‘situational awareness from the state
How does one go from being a transnational recruiter for the world’s largest Islamist organisation, Hizb ut-Tahrir, to debating the
On retirement in 1998, I was given almost unreserved access by Foreign Affairs and Trade to a rich archive of
Today, trade, educational and developmental aid and maritime security are driving forces in Australian-Indian bilateral relations. Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie
The notorious telegram of 1945 which peremptorily ordered young Australian diplomat Patrick Shaw to a third post in as many
Feared, admired and often lampooned, Bartholomew Augustine Santamaria was a powerful figure in Australian political and intellectual circles from the
As C. Raja Mohan observes in the preface to this book, India has had many ‘atomic avatars’: it has been
Books about international relations are written from a variety of levels and perspectives: while some are narrated from the lofty
South Asia is certainly in need of transformation. Riven by border disputes, home to two nuclear powers (with a third
When the Grand Master states “human beings…are inherently vicious” and “power politics in Asia is as old as the first
This book illuminates the persona of Émile Lahood as both a President and a man who shaped Lebanon’s struggle for
Richard Haass describes himself as a “card-carrying member of the foreign policy establishment”. It would be hard to disagree. He
KAISER Wilhem II of Germany was a ``scatterbrained buffoon’’ fond of sabre rattling and scribbling rage-filled rants on the margins
The international politics, players and history surrounding “disasters” (both broadly- and narrowly-defined) should be of key interest to an Australian
This is an in-depth country report on Australia in German for a German-speaking audience. Its eleven chapters provide a detailed overview