Ito Ay Manifestong Demokrasya: Elections, Political Culture, and Youth Power in Australia and the Philippines

There are likely many things that Philippine elections could learn from how elections are done in Australia. Preferential ballots, compulsory voting, and strong electoral transparency are only the beginnings of a list. However, views of Australian exceptionalism should not stop Australians looking for answers in unexpected places. Australians shouldn’t believe that they have nothing to learn from the conduct of Philippine democracy, or for that fact, any democracy.  … Continue readingIto Ay Manifestong Demokrasya: Elections, Political Culture, and Youth Power in Australia and the Philippines

Nationalism, Femicide, and New Masculinities: the far-right’s weaponisation of violence against women

Gendered violence is on the rise; it’s been declared an epidemic in several countries, including Australia, with the past few years having proved particularly dangerous for women. For hardline conservatives, there are a host of people to blame; recently, immigrants have been a favourite. The scapegoating of vulnerable communities by this section of the political spectrum has proven not just ineffective at combating male violence against women, but points towards a worrying trend of the dehumanisation of one group in the name of protection for another. … Continue readingNationalism, Femicide, and New Masculinities: the far-right’s weaponisation of violence against women

Anatomy of a breakup: the split of the Coalition and the worldwide state of agrarian populism

After nearly four decades of strained ties, the National and Liberal parties have gone their separate ways, announcing a ‘not unanimous but quite conclusive’ split. Spearheaded by Nationals leader David Littleproud, the decision came after negotiations stalled over four key policy directives within the Coalition agreement – most notably regarding nuclear energy commitments and divestiture powers targeting supermarkets. Overall, this move has cast further doubt on future campaign prospects of the federal opposition, as it seeks to rebuild following an extraordinary defeat during the recent federal election. … Continue readingAnatomy of a breakup: the split of the Coalition and the worldwide state of agrarian populism

Eurovision 2025: the crossroads of culture and conflict

Austria’s JJ may have won Eurovision 2025, but the contest’s spotlight now shines on deeper tensions. With rising criticism over Israel’s inclusion, public protests, and broadcaster defiance, the event that’s hailed as non-political, strictly neutral now finds itself at the centre of global debate. As the EBU faces pressure from contestants, financial backers and viewers, questions grow louder about the future of neutrality, fairness, and cultural diplomacy on Europe’s biggest stage. … Continue readingEurovision 2025: the crossroads of culture and conflict

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?