The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has for the very first time held a summit in Australia. Hosted at Sydney’s Darling Harbour Conference Centre in March, the summit brought together global leaders, government officials, and business figures over two days. This historic event has … Continue readingAUSTRALIA-ASEAN SPECIAL SUMMIT: A TURNING POINT IN FOREIGN POLICY?
“I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating U.S. nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. … Continue readingUS ABANDONS THE IRAN DEAL: WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE REGION?
By Harrini Ratnanesan – Eurovision… Is it X-Factor on steroids? Just a mass gathering of Europeans in whacky costumes? Or is it some kind of weird religious-like festival where your friends worship SBS coverage with a cultish fervour? The last thing many would consider Eurovision … Continue readingGLAMOUR, MUSIC & POWER: THE POLITICS OF EUROVISION
At the May 9th election, Mahathir Mohamad secured a majority of seats in Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat, ending the 61-year dominance of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Returning to office after retiring 15-years ago, Mahathir’s election has been described as a shock victory on a scale … Continue readingMAHATHIR MOHAMAD: THE RETURN OF MALAYSIA’S LONG-TERM PM
The British people voted to leave the European Union a little under two years ago. This sudden and somewhat surprising departure is the equivalent of a spoiled child threatening to leave home because their parents will not give them more pocket money. They both have a … Continue reading“SHAKE IT OFF” – WHY THE EU SHOULD JUST LET THE UK GO
It’s the break-up to end all break-ups. Since voting to leave the European Union (EU) with an underwhelming majority, the British public has been treated by Brussels and many economists as a recalcitrant spouse who has naively ended an indispensable union. Yet, Donald Tusk and … Continue readingTHE BREXIT BREAK-UP: WHY BRITAIN NEEDS TO LEAVE ITS’ NEEDY LONG-TERM LOVER BEHIND
Whilst the word “pivot” tends to be feared by overly cautious career politicians, shifts in policies have become a more recurring theme in modern politics. With greater economic and political volatility, our leaders continue to protect domestic interests through changes to short-term and long-term strategic … Continue readingA CONSTANT STATE OF FLUX: A RECENT HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS