Irine Hiraswari Gayatri is a PhD Candidate at the Monash Gender, Peace and Security, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts Monash University. […]

Alexey Navalny’s return and subsequent imprisonment in Russia solidified his role as a leader of political opposition to Putin. The nationwide protests associated with calls to free Navalny exposed deep polarisation in the country, between societal groups pushing for and those opposed to political changes. 

“Never Trump” Republicans are hoping the inauguration of a Democratic president might spark a shift that brings “principled conservatism” back to the GOP. It is unlikely – their conservatism has been priming white working-class America for Trumpism for decades.

As Australia pursues its tariff dispute with China in the WTO this year, the United States and other Western nations will be challenging China on issues of forced technology transfer. The Biden administration’s policy may influence Australia’s course of action.

Tensions have been brewing between the East and West, expedited through mismanaged situations regarding political issues and sensitivities over the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst global tensions, it is no secret that Australia and China have not been seeing eye to eye.

In 2020, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia witnessed youths protesting against governmental measures that were imposed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are similarities in the motives behind these protests, primarily the longing for greater transparency and democratic practices.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat, Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, Payne on Myanmar, and more.

The summit’s outcomes suggest continuity in leadership and policy. Some hoped-for economic reforms will progress slowly, but Vietnam’s rising star as a global leader will go unhindered. 

The default position in Vietnam’s political system is always stability and a balance between competing factions. Will the “grand compromise” at the recent national party congress pay off?

Despite the campaign of repression against political advocates and journalists in Algeria, and though divided, the Hirak is still alive. Pursuing contradictory government policies, the authorities have failed to convince citizens that the “New Algeria” is different from Bouteflika’s authoritarian regime.

Former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo developed a coherent and comprehensive strategic vision. It not only precipitated Japan’s emergence as a primary player in the Indo-Pacific but also the strategic choices of other regional states, including the United States, Australia, and India.