Since the end of the US Civil War, concerted efforts have been made to constrain enfranchisement in the name of “free and fair” elections. In the midst of a pandemic, these measures now go far beyond subtle discrimination in endangering public health.

The WHO; “mask diplomacy”; DFAT & Covid-19.

The United States, and the alliance.

The consequences of Covid-19.

Covid-19 update; ASIO speaks; Morrison hosts Jokowi & Ardern.

Scotland, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Botswana are all ahead of Australia when it comes to supporting “period dignity.” But efforts are being made at a grassroots level to reduce and remove the barriers faced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian women and girls in remote communities.

The Indo-Pacific, models of world politics, and Australian foreign policy.

Robert Bowker uses long-secret cabinet notebooks to throw light on Australian political decision-making in the Suez Crisis of 1956, when Prime Minister Menzies took out insurance with a great power partner by giving conspicuous but token support for British action against Egypt, at some cost to Australia’s international reputation.  

In this week's podcast, we look at Australia's response to the coronavirus, the UK allowing Huawei technology within its borders, and potential WTO reforms.

The World Health Organisation has postponed its decision about whether to classify the new Wuhan coronavirus as a global health emergency. It wants to gather more information and will meet again at midday on Thursday in Geneva (late Thursday night, Australian time).

Gordon de Brouwer on Economics vs Security, Climate Change, And Effective Policymaking