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International Politics

Australia Launches AUKUS Pact: A Masterclass in Diplomacy or a Diplomatic Disaster?

On 15th September, political leaders from Australia, the UK and the US announced their intentions to set up a trilateral security partnership. The deal, known as AUKUS, represents a commitment to combating China’s growing ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. As part of the agreement, Australia will build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in co-operation with the UK and US after scrapping a $90 billion-dollar submarine contract with France. AUKUS represents a revival of historical relations across the Anglosphere and a simultaneous deterioration of relations between members of AUKUS and the EU.   

 

Asia Pacific Security

Australia-Japan alliance: A blueprint for something bigger?

Is the strengthening of bonds between Japan and Australia merely an attempt to balance China, or is it a sign of a more promising future?

Asia Pacific Politics

Security or progress? The Australian experiment

China’s growing influence has given rise to a dilemma for its partners, between preserving national security and maintaining access to China’s economic and technological progress. The long-term consequences of how Australia resolves this dilemma may provide insights for the rest of the world.

Asia Pacific Security

Australia wary of China’s growing stake in the South Pacific

China’s growing interest in the South Pacific will have alerted key Australian political and defence officials. Should Beijing eventually opt to establish a military base in this region, Canberra will have a firm action plan in place designed to counter China’s influence and reinforce Australia’s regional preeminence.

Insights

India, France, and their new security agreements

Regional power struggles and maritime security are at the heart of new security agreements between France and India. India is especially worried about being geopolitically isolated by China, and is seeking to expand its presence in the Indian Ocean.

Asia Pacific Economics

Foreign aid and strategic competition in the South Pacific

On February 26, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck 35 kilometres underneath the Southern Highlands in Papua New Guinea, causing at least fifty deaths. An Australian Air Force plane carrying relief supplies landed five days later amid criticism that aid had been too slow to arrive.

International Politics The Week Ahead

The Week Ahead: 18 – 24 February 2018

South Africa’s new president seeks change in direction following tumultuous Zuma years. Ethiopia’s ruling party looks for solutions after PM’s resignation. Australia’s coalition government at a crossroads as leaders trade barbs. Mueller investigation enters new phase as 13 Russians are indicted. All in The Week Ahead 

Asia Pacific Security

The revival of Asia’s quadrilateral security dialogue

A meeting between senior officials from the United States, India, Japan, and Australia took place in Manila on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit to discuss regional and global cooperation.

International Politics The Week Ahead

The Week Ahead: 29 October – 4 November

Australian Government thrown into confusion. Iran privatizes gas stations. Kenya awaits election results. All in The Week Ahead. 

Asia Pacific Security

Australia’s ballistic missile defence options

Australia increasingly faces the need to address the North Korean missile threat by developing a domestic ballistic missile defence system.