mias – PIVOT

The Johnson-Truss Transition | Can Britain’s New PM Assert Her Leadership?

Boris Johnson has bowed out as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after just three years in the role. With the UK facing a cost-of-living crisis, an energy catastrophe, and low levels of trust in elected officials, Johnson’s successor and former lieutenant Liz Truss faces one of the worst in-trays an incoming PM has had to tackle in a generation. Requiring an urgent response, will she be up for the task, or will she be forced to go the way of her recent predecessors? Will she be able to emerge from the shadow of Johnson’s leadership? … Continue readingThe Johnson-Truss Transition | Can Britain’s New PM Assert Her Leadership?

French Elections | Macron’s Real Test Still to Come

The word ‘election’ brings about dread in society. From the tiresome campaigns to a myriad of meme-worthy moments, we cannot help but become resentful of them by the time a victor has been declared. We in Australia have only just gone through the arduous process … Continue readingFrench Elections | Macron’s Real Test Still to Come

Territorial Integrity since 1945: How the World Has and Hasn’t Changed

‘The current international security system was designed on the premise of protecting territorial integrity. As enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and other foundational documents of the post-1945 system, sovereign states are supposed to respect the boundaries and political decisions of their neighbours, with this norm taking precedence. Yet, by looking at the current events in Ukraine along with other ongoing territorial disputes, this would be hard to believe.’

Pivot examines the concept of territorial integrity in light of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War … Continue readingTerritorial Integrity since 1945: How the World Has and Hasn’t Changed

The Platinum Jubilee and Constitutional Monarchy in the 21st Century

Today marks the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the Throne. Although not a time of celebration for the Queen as it also marks the anniversary of the death of her beloved father King George VI, this milestone will be celebrated across the Commonwealth with much fanfare in June. Every jubilee and significant royal event brings about questions regarding the monarchy’s future in Australia and other Commonwealth realms, including Canada and New Zealand. While it is important to have such discussions about the political structure of our country, there are other constitutional issues regarding the functionality of our governance which should be addressed more urgently. … Continue readingThe Platinum Jubilee and Constitutional Monarchy in the 21st Century

2021 – THE SEQUEL | WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2022

As we enter another year, it is imperative that we reflect on previous significant events in order to anticipate what the coming twelve months may bring. While much of 2021 has been overshadowed by COVID-19, the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants, and the rollout of various vaccines, significant geopolitical rumblings have brewed and will continue to rumble well into 2022. The following issues may define the upcoming year in international affairs and even have impacts into 2023 and beyond.
… Continue reading2021 – THE SEQUEL | WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2022

For the Love of Humanity: The Innocent Faces of Afghanistan

Content warning: violence, warfare, distressing images At the podium of one of his characteristic rallies, Donald Trump told his audience in Alabama: “Can anyone even imagine taking out our military before evacuating civilians and others who have been good to our country and who should … Continue readingFor the Love of Humanity: The Innocent Faces of Afghanistan

THE WORLD NEEDS IT | THE CASE FOR TOKYO 2020

As the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics commenced last night, protests throughout the Japanese capital opposed what many considered to be a risky imposition during a global pandemic. This comes as Japan records over 5,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, a spike which saw spectators banned from Olympic events. This begs the question whether it was wise for the Japanese Government and the International Olympic Committee to continue with the Games. The simple answer is not one based on logic. It has its roots in the romanticism of sports as a uniting force and the need to distract billions from the devastation and gloom they are suffering. … Continue readingTHE WORLD NEEDS IT | THE CASE FOR TOKYO 2020

ANOTHER INTIFADA? THE LATEST ESCALATION IN THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

In the past week, images of rockets, airstrikes and street clashes have dominated international news coverage. The latest fighting is the culmination of long standing tensions, with the status of Jerusalem at the centre of the ongoing territorial struggle. … Continue readingANOTHER INTIFADA? THE LATEST ESCALATION IN THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

FAR-RIGHT EXTREMISM — WHY AUSTRALIA SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS

The January 6 Insurrection, which culminated in the storming of the United States Capitol Building by far-right groups, was termed by FBI Director Christopher Wray as an act of “domestic terrorism”. The Insurrection demonstrated not only the fragility of democracy but also cautioned against misguided beliefs that far-right extremism could never penetrate western democracies. This article will observe the rise of far-right extremism in Australia and consider the possibility of similar acts being committed domestically. … Continue readingFAR-RIGHT EXTREMISM — WHY AUSTRALIA SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS

BALD EAGLE WOUNDED | AMERICA’S DEMOCRACY UNDER TRUMP

EDITORIAL – Donald John Trump will join the club of one-term presidents when he leaves office at midday on 20 January. He has become the 14th man to lose a re-election bid (10 if you do not count those presidents who also lost their party … Continue readingBALD EAGLE WOUNDED | AMERICA’S DEMOCRACY UNDER TRUMP