The Australian prime minister's 2020 Defence Strategic Update has many strengths, but it does not address the critical factors of diplomacy and development.  Australia's unbalanced strategic posture risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The Chinese Communist Party's global influence operations are covert but pervasive, and are undermining Western democratic institutions. "Hidden Hand" is very welcome in raising our awareness of this, and the stakes involved.

With its enormous economic power, China is now a global political and military force engaged in an ideological struggle with the West. This new authoritarian power is using democratic systems to undermine democracy in pursuit of its global ambitions.

Predicting the impending liberalisation of China’s authoritarian regime is a popular pastime among some Western analysts. But it’s foolish to assume that China’s political development will mirror the West.

Discussions of an Indo-Pacific Charter in a post-COVID-19 world are starting to gain traction. To make this charter a reality would require implementing a minimalist and inclusive design that first seeks order and later paves the way to justice.

The 2020 Defence Strategic Update and the 2020 Force Structure Plan, the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting, Australia's security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and more.

Australia's 2020 Defence Strategic Update's singular focus on US-China competition fails to account for the greater threat present in South Asia. The recent clash between China and India demonstrates that this region should be a prominent part of Australia's regional defence strategy.

India’s apathy towards Nepal will harm both countries until bilateral talks are scheduled. A deviation from orthodox methods of dispute resolution is needed to pressure India into accepting international norms.

Development of the Chabahar Port complements the strategic interests of both the US and India. Both states must recalibrate their engagements with Iran to achieve their collective and individual long-term goals.

The ICC Prosecutor’s decision to investigate war crimes in Palestine has been met with various criticisms, some of which hinge on distortions or mischaracterisations of the Court’s functions. These merit correction for the benefit of public debate on this matter.