“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?
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’?
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?
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
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
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
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?
Donald J Trump has coronavirus. Let me put it to you differently – a 74 year old man with unknown health issues who is on the verge of obesity has coronavirus. Yes, the President of the United States, the leader of the free world and … Continue readingTRUMP’S CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSIS | WHY WE SHOULD WORRY
Returning to Air Force One after a campaign speech in Bemidji, Minnesota, President Trump learnt of the passing of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg from the media pool. Responding to journalists, he said: “She led an amazing life. What else can you say? She was … Continue readingEND OF AN ERA – DEATH OF THE NOTORIOUS RBG
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