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Historically, Washington viewed BRICS as a fragmented bloc with limited geopolitical weight. However, the group’s recent expansion and efforts to challenge the US dollar’s dominance have drawn a sharp response from President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs on BRICS nations if they pursue de-dollarisation. Is this hardline stance merely a short-term pressure tactic, or does it signal a deeper shift in US foreign policy? 

This article analyses the initial post-independence UK-Pakistan relationship through a decolonial lens and makes comparisons with recent developments. The importance of this approach is the contextualisation of this relationship within colonialism, but also how steps have been and continue to be taken by both countries towards and away from decolonisation. 

A key question thrown up by President Trump’s recent dealings with Ukraine is “where do we go from here for European security?” The American abandonment of Ukraine should not be surprising. This war had to be brought to a close—although Trump’s actions have been undiplomatic and bordering on bizarre. Are there ideas from the late 1980s and early 90s that can be considered today? 

Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the WHO undermines global health security, jeopardising disease control efforts, climate resilience programs, and pandemic preparedness. As the world faces rising health threats, the absence of US leadership weakens international cooperation and leaves a dangerous gap in global health governance.

By examining other territorial name disputes worldwide, we know that renaming the Gulf of Mexico could potentially promote division, identity politics, and undemocratic practices. These changes could develop into a new and existential threat for the USA.

The recently published memoirs of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel are fuelling the present-day criticism of her legacy. And it is true that today, Germany does face many great challenges. But a close reading suggests that it would be too simplistic to lay full responsibility at her feet, as many analysts are wont to do.     

Strategic minilaterals like the Quad, AUKUS, and TSD exemplify flexible security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, balancing between governance and military alignment. While unlikely to evolve into formal alliances, their growing integration positions them as adaptable coalitions for regional stability and crisis response

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?