The law can be a blunt instrument. Designed to cover the black and white of issues, it rarely allows for nuance.

After Tokyo was awarded the Olympics nine years ago, the Japanese public strongly supported the event, which offered hope of social and economic revitalisation after decades in the doldrums. But Tokyo 2020 has proved a curse rather than a cure.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: civil penalties for entering Australia from India, Payne’s trips to Europe and the United States, diplomatic appointments, and more.

Leaders across the world are increasingly under pressure to deliver strategies to deal with the deadly virus. Brazil’s recent cabinet reshuffle comes as the summation of several events that have been unfolding since May last year.

Winston Churchill in 1922 expressed the exasperation many English politicians have felt in dealing with the seeming endless recurrence of the “Irish Question” in British politics. In 2021, Brexit and the riots in Belfast have revived this sentiment.

Australia has provided considerable assistance to India during these difficult times, which is highly welcome. Indeed, there appears to be an upsurge of goodwill towards Australia in India.

Africa is a powerful region for future strategic policy. Australia does not demonstrate the interest in African states it should.

The Australian federal government recently resolved to scrap the Victorian state government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).  The timing of this decision needs to be contemplated as ongoing developments may trouble bilateral relations between Australia and China.

No one could ever deny Vladimir Putin’s ability to surprise. Russia’s leader has the ability to pull rabbits out of his hat just as Western commentators dismiss the Kremlin’s waning influence.

Central Asia has not been immune from the decline of democracy. There are now fewer chances for people to speak out against injustices or participate in political society without fearing the consequences.

ASEAN can only play the role of interlocker between the big powers and Myanmar. It will not push Myanmar into the corner or issue ultimatums.