Beijing has discretely employed a “red thread” of dragon and phoenix strategy to compete in the sea and air with its global rival—the United States. Following the Chinese mythology of the invisible red thread—which connects those who are destined to meet—China has been expanding its spheres of political influence, displaying military power, and strengthening economic linkages.

The Wagner Group has maintained an active and controversial presence in Africa since 2017, where it has contributed to regional instability, countered Western influence, and exacerbated human rights abuses. Despite the death of its figurehead in 2023, the emergence of the Africa Corps indicates that Russia's covert geopolitical strategies in the region will persist.

The UN's upcoming Doha III meeting with the Taliban notably excludes women and Afghan civil society representatives. This exclusion undermines the UN's commitment to women's rights and contradicts its Women, Peace, and Security agenda, drawing criticism for legitimizing the Taliban's discriminatory policies.

The time is ripe for India to walk the talk in terms of integrating gender in international relations as well as domestic policies. Using a feminist foreign policy, it must deconstruct dominant power structures that hinder its growth and embrace its leadership potential.

Gyu-Jin Hwang is senior lecturer in Discipline of Sociology and Criminology, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Sydney. He specialises in […]

As it is with all legends, the more distant the memory, the greater the reverence and the sketchier the details. This pithy observation comes towards the close of Herald van der Linde’s new history Majapahit, the story of East Java’s golden century and its international clout. 

In Britain, two men are vying for the votes of the British people at the general election on 4 July. For many, it is a peculiar choice.

In 1950, when India created and ratified its Constitution, greatly expanding political and social participation and granting universal suffrage, the nation demonstrated its […]

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is the last African country maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Given China’s growing economic influence in Africa, why does Eswatini persist in its alliance with Taiwan?

Malicious cyber actors are continuously targeting critical Australian infrastructure, and they seem to be successful. According to a commercial cyber security report Australia is the tenth most targeted country for phishing attacks.

Elections in Europe demonstrate the growing popularity of far right parties as key outsiders gain on critical votes. In France, President Emmanuel Macron has moved to dampen Marine Le Pen's success in the European Parliament with a snap national election.