The International Criminal Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber has determined jurisdiction to investigate Israel and Palestine for events in the West Bank and Gaza. This has sparked debate not only about jurisdiction, but whether the ICC is genuinely serving as a court of last resort reserved for the most serious mass crimes.

In May 2014, Thailand's generals decided, yet again, that their country's elected government was too much trouble. Dusting off their well-worn coup-making playbooks, they rolled the tanks into central Bangkok, secured the key installations required to claim authority, and implemented their familiar style of military rule.

Indonesia's new National Plan of Action on Countering Violent Extremism that Leads to Terrorism aims to involve both government and civil organisations in a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy. It appears as an advancement towards the construction of a gendered response to terrorism and extremist violence in South-East Asia.

Australia has spent the last 30 years deploying troops to the Middle East, while also overstretching its military by deploying troops within its own neighbourhood. Where to now for the Australian Defence Force?

Alexey Navalny’s return and subsequent imprisonment in Russia solidified his role as a leader of political opposition to Putin. The nationwide protests associated with calls to free Navalny exposed deep polarisation in the country, between societal groups pushing for and those opposed to political changes. 

As Australia pursues its tariff dispute with China in the WTO this year, the United States and other Western nations will be challenging China on issues of forced technology transfer. The Biden administration’s policy may influence Australia’s course of action.

Tensions have been brewing between the East and West, expedited through mismanaged situations regarding political issues and sensitivities over the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst global tensions, it is no secret that Australia and China have not been seeing eye to eye.

The summit’s outcomes suggest continuity in leadership and policy. Some hoped-for economic reforms will progress slowly, but Vietnam’s rising star as a global leader will go unhindered. 

The default position in Vietnam’s political system is always stability and a balance between competing factions. Will the “grand compromise” at the recent national party congress pay off?

Despite the campaign of repression against political advocates and journalists in Algeria, and though divided, the Hirak is still alive. Pursuing contradictory government policies, the authorities have failed to convince citizens that the “New Algeria” is different from Bouteflika’s authoritarian regime.