The ‘Build Back Better World’ Initiative: Is Diplomacy ‘Back’?

A the recent G7 Summit, leaders claimed that “Diplomacy is back”. Given that this was the first time in two years that leaders had met in person, the opportunity was seized to discuss what they considered to be the world’s most pressing issues, including vaccine inequity, climate change, global taxes, and current conflicts. Most central to this claim, however, was the announcement of the ‘Build Back Better World’ infrastructure initiative. … Continue readingThe ‘Build Back Better World’ Initiative: Is Diplomacy ‘Back’?

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WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CUBA?

Antonio de los Baños on July 11, situated in relatively  close proximity to Havana. Fed up Cubans protested on the streets to oppose the frequent  electrical blackouts and lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines. The island Nation has seen a spike in cases  in recent weeks  Due to the rapid-fire nature of social media, word of the protests spread like wildfire across Cuba, the US and the world alike with #CubaSOS trending amongst locals, the Cuban diaspora and the wider international community. … Continue readingWHAT IS HAPPENING IN CUBA?

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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A VULNERABLE GIANT? WHY AMERICA IS LOSING ON THE CYBERFRONT

Cyber attacks have damaged the U.S. economy, jeopardised American lives and contributed to a destabilisation of the country as a whole. The U.S. is the world’s richest nation, preeminent military power and a technological behemoth, and yet it appears to be losing a game that it should logically be able to play and win. This begs the question; why is the U.S. being compromised by cyber attacks? … Continue readingA VULNERABLE GIANT? WHY AMERICA IS LOSING ON THE CYBERFRONT

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Are we too critical of Trump and Biden, or are they just plain awful?

A self-absorbed, insincere, tantrum-throwing danger to American democracy. A career politician suffering from cognitive decline beholden to the radical left. Who would you vote for? Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden have had allegations of sexual assault, racism, and unprincipled financial dealings levied against them.[1] … Continue readingAre we too critical of Trump and Biden, or are they just plain awful?

AUSMIN 2020

AUSTRALIA’S FOREIGN POLICY NOT SO INDEPENDENT AFTER ALL Travelling to the US during Covid-19 is no small effort and by doing so Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Payne and Defence Minister Reynolds demonstrated just how important the Australia-US alliance is. The agenda at the Australia-US Ministerial … Continue readingAUSMIN 2020