Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, was the 39th president of the United States. His period in office is bookended by the political carnage of mid 1970s America, left by the earlier Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford presidencies, and the Hollywood style of Ronald Reagan from 1981. Carter’s term is largely overlooked and often derided, yet he had some important success.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Marles and Wong in UK for 14th Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN); aid for search and rescue efforts provided to Vanuatu following the Port Vila earthquake; Wong in Ukraine to announce return of embassy to Kyiv, and more.

The world is entering a new Cold War between the United States and China, requiring a comprehensive, aggressive strategy to counter China’s rising influence, according to the authors. In managing this new strategic reality, the book emphasises innovation, alliances, and vigilance, while raising important questions about the sustainability and endgame of this geopolitical rivalry.

In October 2024, four key Southeast Asian countries became partners of BRICS, making the organisation much closer to home for Australians. So why have Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam put themselves on a path to membership?

The removal of a despised dictator brings a moment of euphoria for Syrians. But the future is uncertain as relations between rebel factions and external actors remain complicated.

Slick by Royce Kurmelovs is a compelling exploration of how the fossil fuel industry has managed to maintain its dominance in Australia over several decades. This enduring influence persists despite clear evidence that burning fossil fuels is driving the rise in greenhouse gas emissions and fuelling climate change.

The Pacific Islands' voting patterns on Palestinian self-determination reveal the complex interplay of geopolitics, development incentives, and shifting religious dynamics. The rise of Evangelism, intertwined with Christian Zionist theology, has increasingly influenced foreign policy decisions, underscoring the cultural and demographic transformations shaping the region's stance on global issues.

The Syrian civil war, seemingly frozen in an uneasy deadlock for years, has been reignited with rebel forces wresting Aleppo, the country’s second biggest city, from President Bashar al-Assad ’s grasp. While what happens next is uncertain, the ongoing conflict is likely set to drag on with unpredictable consequences for years to come.

Despite their reliance on multilateralism when pushing for greater climate action, Pacific Island States have become less willing to recognise the right to self-determination of other vulnerable groups at the UN. This shift in voting erodes norms around global solidarity and may prove ultimately self-sabotaging.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese meets with President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel; a new agreement to collaborate on research on emerging missile threat defence between Australia and Canada; Wong announces a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, and more.

US State Department official Josh Paul resigned in October 2023, being morally opposed to the Biden administration’s provision of arms to Israel. Paul has received considerable attention for his principled resignation, and has now launched a new lobby group called “A New Policy.” But is departing the public service necessarily an act of public virtue?