In Need of a Shepherd: Pope Leo XIV, a Church in Flux, and Our Desire for Moral Leadership

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, holds a series of firsts in the history of the Catholic Church. 

He becomes the first pontiff born after World War II, the first Augustinian to ascend the throne of Saint Peter, the first pope from the United States and also the first native English speaker since Adrian IV (r. 1154–1159).  His election not only broadens the geographic reach of the papacy but disrupts the traditional Eurocentric dominance of Catholic leadership. … Continue readingIn Need of a Shepherd: Pope Leo XIV, a Church in Flux, and Our Desire for Moral Leadership

Pillars of Strength: Breaking down the AUKUS Agreement

Donald Trump’s response of  “What does that mean?” may feel familiar to many when the acronym AUKUS is mentioned. Some readers may be familiar with the dialogue of submarines and the eye-watering amounts that this deal will apparently cost Australia (anywhere from $268bn to $368bn) but what actually is AUKUS and what does this all mean for Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific region?  … Continue readingPillars of Strength: Breaking down the AUKUS Agreement

Living Through History: How the Middle East is Being Reshaped in 2025

The Middle East has long been a geopolitical hotbed – a land of shifting alliances, ancient rivalries, and religious divisions, where empires have risen and fallen, leaving behind a legacy of both culture and conflict.

But in recent years, something remarkable has begun to unfold: historic changes that are quietly, yet significantly, reshaping the region and its alliances. Understanding these changes is critical, because the future of the Middle East could look very different from its past. On a grander level, this can impact the global landscape. … Continue readingLiving Through History: How the Middle East is Being Reshaped in 2025

Signal of Opportunity: What the EU-India Free Trade Agreement means for Australia    

After almost a decade of stalled talks, India and the European Union have pledged to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of this year. The new deal aims to remove domestic market barriers and encourage foreign domestic investment, while maintaining protections around geographical indications to ensure respective agricultural markets are not misused in the name of economic growth. The path to finalising this FTA has not been straightforward, and more roadblocks remain as leaders from both sides face diplomatic delays, increasing tariffs and protectionist challenges from other great powers. … Continue readingSignal of Opportunity: What the EU-India Free Trade Agreement means for Australia    

The Rise of Regional Powers: Is Multipolarity the New Global Order?

The global order has faced a subtle yet significant shift in recent years. Traditional alliances are being reevaluated, regional actors are gaining confidence, and the once predictable rhythms of international order have become less consistent. At the core of this gradual change lies the realignment of US foreign policy; a series of moves that have provoked new debates about international cooperation, diplomacy, and the structure of global power. … Continue readingThe Rise of Regional Powers: Is Multipolarity the New Global Order?

Symbols, Songs and Social Movements: How Music Directly Contributes to the Momentum of Social Movements and Culture

Whilst Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy award winning diss track “Not Like Us” may have been the spotlight for many on the night of the Super Bowl, his performance and strong symbolism begs a bigger discussion on how music and artists contribute to the larger picture of social movements, political critique and activism. … Continue readingSymbols, Songs and Social Movements: How Music Directly Contributes to the Momentum of Social Movements and Culture

Posted on by Vy Tran

Korean Soft Power and the Hallyu Wave

Increased interest in South Korean culture improves its diplomatic capabilities, as it is able to attract and influence nations as a means of securing and maintaining a heightened status and role in the global community, as opposed to using military and economic power to force influence. Culture has become an indispensable asset in the global environment. … Continue readingKorean Soft Power and the Hallyu Wave

Are women empowered, or just in power: Politics, ‘Choice’ Feminism and the Far-Right

With increasing female representation in positions of power across the world, some scholars are now pointing to a more feminist future. However, the rise of the far-right movement and the prominence of female political actors within these spaces paints a different, much more complex, picture. … Continue readingAre women empowered, or just in power: Politics, ‘Choice’ Feminism and the Far-Right