Australian Institute of International Affairs National President Allan Gyngell starts his history of Australian foreign policy with the observation that Australia’s myths are mostly military ones: “The story Australians know best of their country’s engagement with the world is one of wars and battles.”  

The federal budget substantially bolstered Australia’s defence spending. But not enough was done to support development and diplomacy.

With the prevalence and intensity of natural disasters on the rise across Southeast Asia, more effective civil-military responses are needed. An appropriate strategy abroad will require Australia to rethink its approach at home.

Allan and Darren welcome Linda Jakobson to the podcast. Linda is a leading China expert, and a vital voice in Australia’s own China debate.

In Australia, there’s been commentary this month about the frosty state of relations with New Zealand. The thing I’m most surprised about is the surprise.

Welcome to the fourth annual International Women’s Day special edition of Australian Outlook! International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, acknowledge the specific challenges women face, and think critically about the ways in which these challenges can be addressed.

International relations are more than just government. With relations between Canberra and Beijing at a stalemate, the story of AFL team Port Adelaide’s audacious push into China reminds us of the choice between insularity and international engagement.

Over the past 15 years, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons has grown from a grassroots movement to a major international coalition. The success of ICAN in turning the Nuclear Ban Treaty into a reality shows the power of non-state diplomacy.

Should we be worried about politicisation of Australia’s foreign policy and security? It’s never been a politics-free zone, but there is a dangerous populism entering the debate.

The Australian government had originally planned to release a long-term international development policy, but COVID-19 derailed this. Instead it was decided to release a policy for the next two or so years covering the COVID-19 crisis and aftermath.

Establishing links with a sister city in a distant part of the world opens up valuable new trade opportunities. These relationships break down barriers that make initial contact with a foreign partner so difficult.