2024 will be the most significant year for democracy. All points lead to a broader democratic recession, though more than a few surprises are to be expected. 

This week in Australian foreign affairs: new ambassadors appointed to ASEAN and WTO, cyber sanction powers in use, further sanctions against Hamas, a joint statement on Houthi attacks, and more.

Global political challenges to the rules-based order are beginning to signal an end of Antarctic exceptionalism. Initiated during the Cold War among distracted powers, existing governance intuitions may not be fit for purpose, but what may constitute an appropriate is unclear. 

Charles Dunst, current foreign policy advisor to Colorado Democratic Senator Michael F. Bennet, offers a perspective on how democracies can combat the threat of rising authoritarianism. In suggesting such solutions as improved infrastructure spending, increased immigration, and greater social safety nets, this work is ultimately aspirational in nature, simplifying the threat and the societies supposedly imperilled by it.

As the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, the promise of its green future was made explicit. For some, however, the environmental toll left by early BRI projects may last much longer. 

This month in Australian foreign affairs: 2023 Lowy Lecture, NZ PM Luxon visits, statement on Houthi attacks, earthquake in Japan, and more.

Australia has big plans for renewable energies. Its diplomacy has symbolised to the world that it is open to change, but further investment in grid and energy capabilities is still lacking. 

Professor G. John Ikenberry argues that the grand project of liberal internationalism is in crisis today. But he believes there is every reason for the world’s democracies to work together to revive the liberal global order.

However a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is achieved, neither punishing Benjamin Netanyahu nor patronising a non-elected Palestinian administrative entity will produce tenable post-war governments. The only viable path will be one that is paved with political legitimacy.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: joint statement with Canada and New Zealand supporting ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict, Russian cyber targeting of democratic processes, Head of Mission announcements, and more.

The war in Gaza has resumed with Israel recommitted to the destruction of Hamas, unimpeded by a proposed UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which the US alone vetoed on 8 December. But despite this, the US is pressing hard for a “day after plan,” a two-state solution that delivers long term regional stability and peace.