This era is aptly named the information age. The time taken to source information can almost mirror the time it took for that idea to come to mind. The level of access to information is unprecedented in human history. Appreciating the significance of data and recognising “data as the new oil”, makes it more apparent that the information we absorb, produce and share should be more secure. Hence international cooperation for cyber security should be a necessary step.

The changing world order demands cooperation, and China’s willingness to partake in these discussions proves that they are ready to take on the leadership role that the US is leaving behind. But does China have enough soft power to become the global hegemon?

The Australian political system has long operated on the premise that Members of Parliament are elected to make decisions on our behalf. Civic duties animate at election time but remain dormant otherwise. Referenda, the one mechanism that directly engages the citizenry, have become a rare component of our civic duty in recent times.