Everything Australia wants to do as a country depends on its ability to understand the rest of the world. To that end, governments can, have and should lead public opinion.

Celebrations have erupted in the streets of Harare in the wake of Robert Mugabe relinquishing power this week. While he may no longer be in control, will Zimbabwe continue to be influenced by his legacy?

A perilous lack of enthusiasm and funding has characterised the lead-up to next month's annual meeting of the Biological Weapons Convention in Geneva. Can states afford to be apathetic on these weapons?

Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 200 people in a supposed crackdown on corruption. However, many suspect a more insidious motive that puts Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at the centre of an authoritarian purge.

The recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize for nuclear non-proliferation work gives hope for progress on nuclear disarmament, but a close look at the world's most important disarmament forum prompts only dismay.

How can Australia navigate international uncertainty to ensure its foreign policy works to secure the country's prosperity?

The forthcoming Foreign Policy White Paper will articulate the priorities, interests and values for Australian foreign policy for the next decade and beyond so that Australia can navigate the uncertain seas ahead.

If Australia wants to get it right with Asia, it needs to get it right with China. Labor's FutureAsia strategy is to actively engage with China and build a comprehensive and sustained partnership.

Attitudes towards Australian foreign policy are undermined by a trio of misconceptions, led by the idea that today's uncertainty is unprecedented. History provides some perspective.

When Australian policymakers and politicians talk about security in the Asia-Pacific, they're talking about Asia. But if the country wants to strengthen its security, it can’t forget the Pacific.