The rules-based international order is a reaction against the perceived loss of traction of the post-war law-based international order. Australian jurist and diplomat Sir Kenneth Bailey believed that if the law-making process failed, what was required was better law.

How is the concept of rules-based order currently employed in debates and discussions as to its existence, fragility, nature and content?

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop spoke at Chatham House this week about the challenges Australia faces in defending the rules-based liberal international order in a period of global instability. The Foreign Policy White Paper shows how Australia might respond.

An independent report on an India Economic Strategy to 2035 commissioned by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was released last week. The report provides a roadmap for Australia to engage India as a top priority economic partner over the next two decades.

Following the tumultuous events of last year’s pro-independence referendum, Spain’s political situation resembles a surreal movie. The Catalan independence question is one of the main issues that Spain’s new prime minister will have to face.

After comparing last week's NATO Summit to its 2016 predecessor in Warsaw, it is evident the alliance has shifted from a focus on adaptation, readiness and responsiveness to a preoccupation with Russia.

The modern international order is undergoing a far-reaching transformation, as new non-Western great powers are rapidly rising. How should we understand today’s political-cultural change and its implications?

Rapid globalisation and the proliferation of non-state actors has significantly changed the world landscape and this should be reflected in our understanding of the concept of nation-state and the modern global system.

This month the Attorney-General approved the prosecution of a former ASIS operative and his lawyer linked to the Timor Sea dispute. Should the freedom of political communication argument prevail, they may emerge from the High Court as free speech heroes rather than as villains.

Despite its economic benefits, multilateralism is now in jeopardy, especially in trade. Spectacular measures being taken or announced outside of the World Trade Organization require the global community to be vigilant.