COVID-19 has closed borders, reversed globalisation, decoupled supply chains, and marginalised multilateral institutions.  It has been far more effective than the most fervent efforts of the world’s populist nationalists.

Amid the frenzy of the final stages of the U.S. presidential campaign, the fifth plenum of the 19th Chinese Communist Party National Congress was held on October 26-29.  At this event, China’s leaders gathered to plan the country’s future.

The United States’ recent clarification of its position on maritime claims in the South China Sea is a small win for international law. Key questions are now, what will the US do to back up its new explicit stance, and what may it ask of its regional allies and partners? 

Donald Trump’s recent executive order calling for a ban of social video broadcasting app TikTok in the United States has sparked outrage and ignited a debate about digital media security. Antagonism toward TikTok is more reflective of Trump's anti-China rhetoric than a genuine security concern.

This year, Australia has faced a perfect storm of shocks to its trade and investment relationships. The national debate has focused on domestic economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis, but the international economic challenges may prove to be greater in the long run.

ASEAN is now 53 years old. All dialogue partners now pay ritual obeisance to “ASEAN centrality,” yet ASEAN’s relevance is still regularly questioned.

Should we be worried about politicisation of Australia’s foreign policy and security? It’s never been a politics-free zone, but there is a dangerous populism entering the debate.

COVID-19 and its attendant health and economic impacts have left no part of the world untouched. As the year has progressed, bilateral and multilateral relationships, especially with Australia, have played a very significant part in how Pacific island countries have prepared for and responded to the crisis.

Also discussed in this episode of the Australia in the World podcast: Australia-China bilateral relations, the "Chinese Government" vs. "the CCP" distinction, the aftermath of the US election, and the impact of the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Parasite was named Best Picture at this year's Oscars, the first non-English language film to take the top prize in 92 years. While this was a significant moment in history, it was not an isolated event.