Australia-China tensions over a COVID-19 inquiry.

Disproportionate global attention has focused on China as the source of the novel coronavirus. Inquiry into the pandemic must consider the severity of the outbreak and economic disruption faced by China itself.

With abundant natural resources and well-established regional leadership positions, Australia seems poised to emerge from the pandemic as a thriving middle power.  Its pursuit of an inquiry into the pandemics origins we be an important litmus test for Australia’s future leadership.

ANZUS was established in geopolitical circumstances that no longer exist. A changing environment doesn’t mean Australia should exit the alliance, but in light of a rising China, it must rethink how ANZUS determines policy.

Fundamental to the rule of law is equal treatment and non-arbitrary, fair application of law. Instead, the International Criminal Court exemplifies UN politicisation of international law principles and bureaucratic corruption of the rule of law, at extravagant cost.

Uganda’s Coronavirus response measures do not take into account the specific needs of women.  Confusion about lockdown laws, a lack of reliable transport, and the poor administration of travel permits has cost lives.

Southeast Asian women are putting themselves in highly vulnerable positions for the betterment of their countries. However, despite their sacrifices, women are more negatively impacted by COVID-19 than men.

As the nation requires, Australia's military is stepping up to the plate to address the COVID-19 crisis. But as a small organisation designed and deployed to do a very different job, this is not a “fix.”  

Consecutive government funding cuts have forced universities to become reliant on international students for funding. As universities restructure in response to COVID-19, both universities and international students are at risk.

With Europe at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brussels has been slow to come to the aid of member states.   The EU must cope both the the gap in funding left by the departure of the United Kingdom and with the fact that some members are far worse off than others.