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. 

Europe made great progress towards a “whole and free” continent during the 35 years until 2007/08, when a cascade of crises occurred, culminating in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  Timothy Garten Ash argues that a Ukraine victory would offer the opportunity to renew efforts to create a “whole and free” Europe.  

The surge in Turkish drone assaults on Kurdistani segments in Iraq and Syria, accompanied by a resounding silence from the very states and global media that are swift to address actions elsewhere, underscores a perplexing and concerning dynamic. Where is the global outcry? 

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese addresses ALP National Conference on AUKUS, Marles in Malaysia and the Philippines, Ukraine Independence Day, Wong in Vietnam, and more.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive has been active since June 2023, but its success has been marginal so far with around 11 settlements recaptured from Russian control. Effectively, the war is a stalemate, the frontlines haven't moved, and casualties on both sides are rising. 

The lessons of the past should not be so easily forgotten, particularly when that history involves the unprecedented and systematic slaughter of civilians. Recent travels over Germany and Russia, and the threat of authoritarian creep in countries such as the United States, provide a devastating reminder of what can happen if tyranny is allowed to prevail. 

The upcoming BRICS gathering illustrates that a divergence of global political and economic values is occurring. The future demise of the global rules based order is not far off.

The past week can be seen as something of a small success for Putin. Sanctions gaps are opening, inflation in the West is increasing, and Donald Trump’s prospects for the Presidency remain challenging for Biden.

China's incursions into Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone have underscored the threat to the country's interests. While a quiet military modernisation has been ongoing, Indonesia would be served by joining India and Australia in a trilateral defence agreement.  

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese off to Wellington to meet with Hipkins, AUSMIN next week in Brisbane, Wong meets with Wang Yi on ASEAN summit sidelines, 9th anniversary of downing of MH17, and more.

From a difficult accession process to the full integration into the Schengen area and the Eurozone, ten years into its EU membership Croatia has been a “good EU pupil” and an example for EU candidates to follow. However, challenges remain in reaching European standards, particularly regarding administrative reforms and standards of living.