An Australian MP has proposed that the US and other Western nations counter Chinese aggression by bringing Russia in from the cold. But doing so would create more problems than it might solve. 

The new anti-terrorism law in the Philippines is aimed at addressing violent extremism and terrorism. However, imprecision in defining terrorism has blurred its boundary with armed conflict, which means the law can be misappropriated to close the space for peacebuilding in the Mindanao region. 

Pundits often negatively portray China’s current posture towards the liberal international order. A more nuanced, and arguably more apt, characterisation of its stance is that of a “conditional supporter.”

Last week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order authorising sanctions against ICC staff investigating American troops and intelligence officials and those of allied nations, including Israel, for possible war crimes in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The executive order is the latest in the US’s long-running battle with the court.

Coronavirus doesn’t just take a toll on lives and livelihoods – it also hits mental health hard. In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, the International Committee of the Red Cross is working with communities to curb the veiled consequence of both violence and pandemic.

The Australia-China trade relationship is currently under significant strain.  In the long run, increased protectionism would not improve Australia’s economic welfare. 

With hopes of an EU-UK trade deal diminishing, both sides are actively preparing for a “no-deal” Brexit. While the deal is on the forefront of British lawmakers’ agendas, the EU’s attention is now focused on producing a COVID-19 recovery package.

US turmoil; India CSP; G-7; WHO lessons; HK; Australian geoeconomics.

India and Australia’s relationship has evolved over the years. Once estranged nations now look to one another as key strategic and diplomatic partners in the Indian Ocean region and in the Indo-Pacific region at large.

The Australian government had originally planned to release a long-term international development policy, but COVID-19 derailed this. Instead it was decided to release a policy for the next two or so years covering the COVID-19 crisis and aftermath.