For several decades, African countries have relied on foreign support to fix local problems. As high-income countries grapple with the pandemic at home, African leaders must find a way to help themselves.

Before the economic dislocation caused by COVID-19 spread beyond China, Australia’s overreliance on a select few commodity exports to this one market was laid bare. It is essential for post-pandemic recovery efforts to focus on diversifying Australia’s trade relationships.

A collision between a Vietnamese fishing boat and a Chinese coast guard patrol boat near the Paracel Islands, which resulted in sinking of the former, has added yet another incident to the history of the South China Sea disputes. A usual blaming of the other happened, like in many international maritime incidents.

Vietnam seems to be handling the Coronavirus outbreak exceptionally well.  As life has changed dramatically, the Vietnamese have remained vigilant and hopeful that they will overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

This week marks the 25th anniversary since Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam signed the Mekong Agreement to develop and protect the Southeast Asia’s most important river, the mighty yet troubled Mekong River. This provides an opportunity to review the historical developments of the inter-governmental organisation, its key challenges and achievements, and look ahead.

The United States, and the alliance.

An independent transport safety investigation authority is key to underpinning a safe and efficient transport industry. This, in turn, is fundamental to the economic success of any nation.

The COVID-19 pandemic is happening against the backdrop of the 2020 US presidential elections. The virus seems to have undone all the gains that Trump was counting on to be the foundation of his 2020 re-election bid.

Michael Bloomberg spent nearly a billion dollars in personal wealth on an unsuccessful bid for the US presidency. While personal spending is not limited by campaign finance laws, self-funded candidates often find it difficult to win elections.

Britain’s opposition Labour Party has elected Sir Keir Starmer to replace Jeremy Corbyn and begin the daunting challenge of reversing Boris Johnson’s 80-seat majority in the House of Commons. For now, Starmer is committed to working together with the Johnson government to see the UK through the pandemic.