Japan hasn’t always been recognised for its domestic or international economic leadership. However, in this new book, Saori Katada details the country’s shift from being perceived  as a trade villain to an active promoter of an open, rules-based regional trade order.

The recently signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is Asian-centric.  It is worth paying attention to how Western scholars and policymakers will position the deal. 

Australia’s recent signature of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has attracted world attention for its significance in consolidating Asia-Pacific geopolitical relations. But in celebrating this agreement, we seem to have forgotten its unfinished business regarding labour and human rights.

Joe Biden’s presidency hints at a return to a world order led by US aspirations for international cooperation. Hope for this new direction in American foreign policy is further enhanced with Biden's top picks for key positions within his administration.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: a major speech by the Prime Minister; Five Eyes’ statement on Hong Kong; Reynolds on the Afghanistan Inquiry; the second annual Fiji-Australia Defence Ministers’ Meeting; and more.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been starved of funds for a quarter century. In these uncertain times, strengthened diplomacy is urgently needed to meet the complex drivers of violent conflicts, rising geo-political tensions, and inequity in the region.

The Australian-Chinese relationship is looking more strained than ever in 2020. Australia's exports are at risk over a trade war with China as Australia promotes investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Journalists from Australia and China have found themselves pawns in a series of tit-for-tat retaliations alongside increased trade restrictions and travel bans on visiting academics from both nations. Yet the atmosphere of distrust was not always the case.

The misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that in the area of social media, there is a need for a quality review. This raises the question of whether there is there a need to quiet public participation in politics.

The recent reelection of Aung San Suu Kyi has offers ample opportunities as well as challenges for neighbouring India. These include several connectivity projects nearing completion, China’s looming economic presence, and troubled land borders.