Ryan Attard

Kennedy for Australia | The Importance of Caroline Kennedy’s Nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Australia

President Joe Biden has nominated Caroline Kennedy, former Ambassador to Japan and daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, as the next United States Ambassador to Australia. Recent headlines regarding Ambassador Kennedy’s appointment have fixated on her status as a member of the infamous Kennedy … Continue readingKennedy for Australia | The Importance of Caroline Kennedy’s Nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Australia

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Auf Wiedersehen, Mutti | Germany’s Leadership Debacle

All things must come to an end, and soon so too will Angela Merkel’s term as German Chancellor. Most young Germans do not remember a time when the affectionately known ‘Mutti’ was not in power. Yet, following this Sunday’s German federal election, Merkel’s 16 years at the helm will be left to the history books. With such a major figure closing the door on her political career, one major question remains: who will succeed her? Ryan Attard discusses the likely outcomes of this weekend’s election and what it means for the future of German politics. … Continue readingAuf Wiedersehen, Mutti | Germany’s Leadership Debacle

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Une Élection pendant la Pandémie? | Trudeau, pourquoi?

“Do you know that political rule about not calling an early election during a major pandemic that is infecting and killing millions? Well, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau definitely does not.” Ryan Attard takes a look at the current state of Canadian politics and what it means for Monday’s federal election. … Continue readingUne Élection pendant la Pandémie? | Trudeau, pourquoi?

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A Diplomat’s Reflections on Melbourne | Departure of Michael Kleine as U.S. Consul General

Since his arrival in August 2018, United States Consul General Michael Kleine has immersed himself in Melbourne’s local community and culture, taking every opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the place he has called home for the last three years. As his posting comes to an end, Ryan Attard sat down with the Consul General to reflect on his time in Australia and his perspective on key issues. … Continue readingA Diplomat’s Reflections on Melbourne | Departure of Michael Kleine as U.S. Consul General

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ISRAEL’S PATCHWORK COALITION: HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Netanyahu’s downfall comes after a tumultuous period in Israeli politics. With four legislative elections in two years and Netanyahu being indicted on charges of bribery and fraud, many around the world see the new government led by Naftali Bennett as a force for positive change. However, Netanyahu, the seasoned political veteran who has served as PM for five terms, might be able to take advantage of the weaknesses in the arguably fragile coalition to return to power. … Continue readingISRAEL’S PATCHWORK COALITION: HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

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STATE OF THE UNION | UNITED KINGDOM SET FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS

Last Saturday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to Nicola Sturgeon with congratulations on her anticipated re-appointment as Scottish First Minister. He also asked Sturgeon to meet with him in an effort to resolve COVID-19-related issues throughout the United Kingdom (UK). Johnson’s letter highlights fear at Westminster for an impending constitutional crisis over the Scottish Parliament’s power to hold another independence referendum, with recent polls suggesting a close result. … Continue readingSTATE OF THE UNION | UNITED KINGDOM SET FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS

FRAGMENTATION OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM | CONSEQUENCES FOR AUSTRALIA

The Post-War Era has seen the advent of regional integration through formal and informal multilateral organisations. While those such as the European Union and African Union are well known, the Australian Government should give further attention to those organisations within our geographic proximity, which play … Continue readingFRAGMENTATION OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM | CONSEQUENCES FOR AUSTRALIA

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