Energy security has been a fraught issue in Australia for more than a decade. But if you want to see what a real crisis looks like, consider India.

After disasters, especially those related to health, the response that we put forward is of vital importance. Mass amounts of death create emotional and logistical problems, and have far-reaching ramifications on global health security.

Tensions on the India-Nepal border are high, and the pandemic has limited opportunities to work toward a resolution. In this context, a seemingly genuine request that Nepali citizens refrain from illegally entering Indian-claimed territory may be seen as attempt at intimidation. 

COVID-19 restrictions have set forth grossly violent police behaviour in Kenya. This has become a source of major humanitarian concern.

75 years after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Asia-Pacific is again the epicentre of global nuclear threats. COVID-19 has delayed the scheduled NPT Review Conference, offering a glimmer of hope for a more productive outcome.

After the second longest negotiations in EU history, the European Council reached a political agreement on the €750 billion coronavirus recovery package, nearly doubling the size of the new EU budget. It remains to be seen whether this deal lives up to its aspirations or is just business as usual for the EU.

The United Kingdom has endured a year with Boris Johnson as prime minister. Though he has headed several laudable initiatives, Johnson’s leadership is, on the whole, shambolic.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: a new Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership with Papua New Guinea (PNG), Morrison’s comments at the Aspen Security Forum, Payne’s statement on Beirut, and more.

The decision to suspend Australia’s extradition treaty with Hong Kong is in compliance with international law. It is also a prudent move to protect the national interest.

Consulate closures & deteriorating US-China relations; AUSMIN; and the Defence Strategic Update.