With few exceptions, decision makers and opinion formers in Europe viewed the Trump presidency with increasing apprehension and disquiet. Their concern became alarm when the president refused to accept his election defeat and incited a mob of supporters to storm Congress in what was a violent attack on democracy.

Besides failing to achieve their political end, the Thai army’s Information Operations have emerged as another critical source of social division. This has subsequently generated deeper political mistrust in Thai society.

Trump's recent suspension from social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook raises questions about the limits of free speech in a functioning democracy. The recent move signals that while online platforms welcome debate, when it is accompanied by violence they must draw a line.

As global adversaries expand their offensive digital capabilities, Australia's in danger of falling too far behind to catch up. After China launched a series of cyberattacks on Australian targets and Russia established a beachhead in some Australian networks, the Australian government stands at a crossroads.

On 16 December, it was announced that Catherine Raper would be the next Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. If the tasks of an ambassador could be simplified into representation, negotiation, reporting, and the consular function – and sound advice offered in 900 words – I respectfully offer my views.

In Honduras, the humanitarian crisis unleashed by the pandemic worsened the one already in existence due to violence. Providing Honduran nationals with assistance and protection is critical in a country where the causes of violence are deepening every day.

India and Nepal’s enduring border disputes have repeatedly provoked nationalist movements and protests in Nepal and alienated Nepal from India. Resolving the disputes through cooperative rather than coercive measures will be critical for India’s ambition to become a “responsible” rising power.

As Australian universities look to bring back their international cohorts, they should look to countries such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea. Procedures used in these countries illustrate a safe and efficient path to a new normal for tertiary institutions.

There has been a remarkable lack of observed statistical difference in the rates of death for countries, and for US states, that have and have not locked down. An assessment of the models used to project different scenarios must be evaluated relative to the lived reality.

The COVID-19 pandemic has ignited new debate on China’s flagship foreign policy, the Belt and Road Initiative. Against the official position of the Australian federal government, the state of Victoria has recently signed on.