The number of vital assets placed in outer space has grown considerably in the past decade. Defence-related activities are escalating at a matching rate, with the fear that a new space race is on the horizon.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese attends APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting; four new diplomatic postings announced; Wong confirms Professor Sean Turnell has returned safely to Australia; statement on MH17 verdicts; and more.

COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have compounded the development constraints faced by African nations. But world trade, outdated debt structures, and illicit financial flows continue to challenge the long-term prospects of developing African nations.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is not yet recognised internationally. Until this happens and the international community convenes a regional peacebuilding forum, the scars of war will continue to dominate regional state-building efforts.

The escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine has directly impacted international cooperation in the Arctic. After three decades of cooperation, Arctic governance is now de facto fragmented into two parts: Russia and the Western Arctic.

It was meant to be Southeast Asia’s time in the sun this summit season. Events have transpired to rain on the parade of this fast-rising region.

In 2012, without too much fanfare, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs inaugurated the 16+1 initiative. Its purpose was to promote a “win-win” cooperation in business, trade, and investment between 16 Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) and China.

Iran’s ties with Russia and China have become increasingly close. Driven by anti-Western sentiment, Iran’s posture no longer follows the “Neither East nor West” doctrine of its past.

The Marshall Plan is again in the news.  This is due to its upcoming 75th anniversary as well as the need to discuss post conflict reconstruction in Ukraine.

On 11 September 2022, Sweden held general elections to elect the 349 members of the Riksdag, the national legislative assembly. The election was a victory for the opposition alliance of three centre-right parties and the right-populist, anti-immigration Sweden Democrats party, which gained substantial support.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese to travel to UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and Japan for Abe Shinzo’s funeral; Wong meets with Vietnamese counterpart and Mongolian Deputy PM; Watts addresses Australia China Business Council Networking Day Gala Dinner; and more.