While on the surface the United Arab Emirates is a well-behaved “little brother” to Saudi Arabia, its recent actions show that the UAE is slowly but surely positioning itself to become a formidable regional power.

Last week Japan passed legislation aimed at encouraging female participation in politics. While it does not prescribe specific targets and penalties, the bill can provide a foundation for necessary change.

The astonishing outcome of Malaysia’s elections has set in train a series of rapid and important changes. We need to assess the implications and likely directions.

Britain is facing its biggest and most complex challenge since the end of World War II. With 10 months to go before the UK is due to leave the EU, British negotiators are in dire straits as warring interest groups grapple over different visions for a post-divorce UK.

Last year's Foreign Policy White Paper provides a sensible basis on which Australia can continue to pursue a realistically independent Australian foreign policy. Continued bipartisan support will retain its value as a guiding framework.

Yet again Australia’s battered aid program took a hit in last week's budget, as aid plunges to its lowest-ever level of 0.22 per cent of national income. At some point the Government will be compelled to take international development, and the role of Australian aid, more seriously. 

The recent Australian budget sends all the right signals about the country’s security and foreign policy priorities, signifying a government that is confident in its understanding of Australia’s role in the world and how to go about addressing a range of issues.

Seventy years after Israel’s proclamation of independence, are we progressing or regressing from resolving the Israeli-Palestinian dispute?

When it comes to LGBTI rights in Africa, arguing against Western interventionism is a front for advocating the maintenance of discriminatory anti-LGBTI legislation. Ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, it should be argued that it is homophobia rather than homosexuality that is un-African.

The 12 May elections in Timor-Leste may herald greater stability under a majority government, allowing the focus to shift to national development. With one of the youngest populations in the Asia-Pacific, Timor-Leste must prioritise investment in its youth.