In the international arena, states can better further their interests by utilising the gentle coercion of diplomacy and acting cooperatively through multilateral oganisations.

Australia is using international education programs as public diplomacy to increase their influence and promote policy agendas. Yet determining the impact of public diplomacy through the New Colombo Plan and Australian studies centres is a challenge.

The norm of bipartisanship on Australia's foreign policy and the fact that it rarely features as a campaign issue unless the country is at war mean that it is unlikely to have much of an impact on how people vote.

A comparative analysis of the Coalition and the Labor Party’s positions on key foreign policy issues shows there is little to choose from.

It is likely Australia’s minor parties will retain considerable representation in the Senate after the federal election on the 18 May. However, it is unlikely they will considerably reshape the future direction of the country’s foreign policy.

In episode 19 of Australia in the World, Allan and Darren prepare an "incoming government brief" outlining important issues the new government will face in the realms of national security, foreign policy and relations with the United States and China.

Going to war is one of the most significant decisions that any country makes, so it’s time we discussed what will happen the next time Australia is faced with the question.

With elections for the European Parliament approaching on the 23 May and the UK now having to take part in them after Theresa May was granted more time to piece together a withdrawal agreement, it is worth contemplating the rarely considered view of the Brexit spectacle from the other side of the Channel.

In South African elections on 8 May, President Cyril Ramaphosa led the ruling ANC to victory on 58 percent of the vote. But the fact the ANC won a diminished share of the vote amidst declining voter turnout is symptomatic of a growing disillusionment with the party.

As 15 May marks the 71st anniversary of al-Nakba, it is worth reflecting on the latest violence in the Gaza Strip.