On Tuesday 18 March 2025 Ross Burns, former ambassador to Syria and Lebanon (based in Damascus), introduced the Institute to his new book Understanding Syria through 40 monuments: a Story of Survival, offering his unique insights into Syria’s complex history through its monuments and archaeological heritage.He then turned to discussing the …

Mid-July 2024 saw two major events on China’s economic and trade sectors, the first with the Third Party Plenum (TPP) in Beijing, and the second with the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) ninth biannual review of China’s trade policy.

Feb 28, 2025 · Europe faces an undeniable shift in its security landscape. While NATO remains crucial, increasing European defence spending and calls for greater autonomy from significant EU leaders signal a shift toward a more self-sufficient security framework.

Jan 15, 2025 · Disinformation threatens Australian democratic processes. The failure of the proposed Disinformation and Misinformation bill highlights the urgent need for balanced regulation ahead of the 2025 elections.

As Canada approaches its 28 April Federal election, the policy implications extend far beyond a simple changing of the guard. This contest between Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and unelected Liberal Party leader, and prime minister, Mark Carney, will determine whether Canada can reverse a decade of economic underperformance and diplomatic decline that has diminished its global standing.

Feb 13, 2025 · The upcoming Belt and Road Summit will be held amidst the current political chaos in Hong Kong. The protests may be an impediment to the summit, but the summit may be an opportunity to expose the youth in Hong Kong to new opportunities.

Mar 14, 2025 · This week in Australian foreign affairs: Julie Bishop faces calls for a U.N. investigation over alleged conflicts of interest linked to her consulting firm; Russia warns Australia against sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine; Prime Minister Albanese criticises U.S. tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium; Resources Minister Madeleine King …

Dec 18, 2024 · Malaysia has pragmatically optimised diplomatic and legal instruments as the principal statecraft to advance its interests. Diplomacy and selective deference are central to preserving sovereignty and keeping bilateral ties, while legal means have served to protect Malaysia's interests through quiet, indirect defiance.

Jun 12, 2024 · The stand-off at the asylum seeker detention centre on Manus Island has created a predictable crisis with no clear long-term resolution and potentially serious consequences for Australia-PNG bilateral relations.

Jan 17, 2025 · 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.