The United States’ recent clarification of its position on maritime claims in the South China Sea is a small win for international law. Key questions are now, what will the US do to back up its new explicit stance, and what may it ask of its regional allies and partners? 

This year, Australia has faced a perfect storm of shocks to its trade and investment relationships. The national debate has focused on domestic economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis, but the international economic challenges may prove to be greater in the long run.

ASEAN is now 53 years old. All dialogue partners now pay ritual obeisance to “ASEAN centrality,” yet ASEAN’s relevance is still regularly questioned.

Should we be worried about politicisation of Australia’s foreign policy and security? It’s never been a politics-free zone, but there is a dangerous populism entering the debate.

COVID-19 and its attendant health and economic impacts have left no part of the world untouched. As the year has progressed, bilateral and multilateral relationships, especially with Australia, have played a very significant part in how Pacific island countries have prepared for and responded to the crisis.

Also discussed in this episode of the Australia in the World podcast: Australia-China bilateral relations, the "Chinese Government" vs. "the CCP" distinction, the aftermath of the US election, and the impact of the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Parasite was named Best Picture at this year's Oscars, the first non-English language film to take the top prize in 92 years. While this was a significant moment in history, it was not an isolated event.

COVID-19 has transformed surveillance. From shotgun temperature checks to sewage monitoring at the microbiological level, the manner in which biological metadata is being targeted, acquired, analysed, and reported has changed.

This week and next week we are publishing the best Australian Outlook pieces of 2020, as selected by our committee of commissioning editors. As new national security laws prompt states to reevaluate the future direction of their relationships with Hong Kong, Australia has set a precedent by suspending its extradition agreement. The move represents a sound appreciation of the international legal framework.

In normal times, a peace agreement in the Middle East is a rare event. The deal struck between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, brokered by US President Donald Trump, was a welcome surprise.

The 2020 US presidential election is a pivotal moment for global efforts to tackle climate change. No matter the result, Australia will face renewed pressure to do its share to reduce emissions.