The arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol underscores deep-rooted tensions in South Korea’s political landscape, where democratic progress continues to clash with lingering authoritarian attitudes. This turmoil reflects unresolved historical divides and the enduring polarisation of its society.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Marles in Kiribati and Solomon Islands; Wong in Washington D.C. for Trump inauguration; joint statement by Quad foreign ministers; new ambassadors to Belgium, Serbia, and Lae, PNG, and more.

Former President Joe Biden was in full victory parade mode when he celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza that may lead to peace, but was it President Donald Trump and his bullying, tweeting diplomacy that solved this seemingly intractable Gordian knot?