With a political climate easily disposed to pragmatic solutions to global trade, Australia is a leading nation on free trade agreements (FTAs). A more holistic strategy, however, is required to avoid the detriments of geopolitics and build resilient trade agreements with the European Union (EU) and further diversify supply chains. 

On 19 September our current interns debated the proposition “that Australia is a suitable host for COP 31”, […]

This week in Australian foreign affairs: second anniversary of AUKUS announcement, Wong in New York for 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Australia signs High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, ICJ intervention in Ukraine v Russia, and more.

Australia has a long relationship with the Middle East and strong trusting partnerships. With energy and economic transformation on the agenda for the region, Australia stands to gain considerably with more investment, and with a nimble diplomatic approach.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese attends G20, ASEAN-Australia Summit and East Asia Summit; Philippines relationship elevated to Strategic Partnership; Wong at Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji; and more

International students have returned in significant numbers to pursue further education at Australia's universities. As universities continue to cut courses and reduce expenses, international students may find it a more difficult place to study than prior to the pandemic. 

Most people don’t realise that despite abolition more than 200 years ago, slavery remains a problem today. It is cheap and readily accessible, and may exist in the supply chains of brands that many use or wear daily. 

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) brings unprecedented opportunities to the country. Together with 14 other states, Australia joins the world’s largest trade partnership ever created, tapping into 2.2 billion consumers and 30 percent of the world’s GDP.

The vast blue Pacific Ocean is the most significant geographical feature of the Pacific region. Pacific Island countries’ domestic shipping fleets provide essential connectivity across archipelago nations but are often in very poor repair and would not pass seafaring standards in Australia or New Zealand.

Australia and Indonesia share many interests, including upholding international law and norms, particularly on questions of sovereignty. With China's ongoing assertions in Indonesian waters, new diplomatic space has opened to consider boosting ties to encompass a Special Strategic Partnership. 

Recent debate on the use of China-made closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have resulted in the recent removal of the cameras from federal and state buildings. Further regulatory measures are needed that prioritise cybersecurity risks and national interests while also resisting politicisation.