Protector or puppeteer: Israel’s weaponisation of sects and sovereignty in Syria

After 13 brutal years of war, the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December, following a flash offensive by Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a breakaway faction of Al Qaeda, felt like a long-awaited victory for many Syrians.

The authoritarian state that had ruled through fear, censorship, and brutality had finally fallen. Relief bloomed, and along with it, hope for a new beginning, not dictated by differences but by unity. But, that moment of relief was short-lived. … Continue readingProtector or puppeteer: Israel’s weaponisation of sects and sovereignty in Syria

The Restarting of History and the Decline of the Liberal Democratic Order

In 1989, American political scientist and philosopher Francis Fukuyama wrote a now famous essay titled, ‘The End of History.’

36 years on from that monumental declaration, we find ourselves facing a world in which liberalism, the dominant global ideology, faces fatigue. The dream of a world of western democracy seems increasingly challenged and the history of global development seems far from settled. … Continue readingThe Restarting of History and the Decline of the Liberal Democratic Order

Who are the Tehrik-Taliban Pakistan and why are they important to Afghanistan-Pakistan relations?

The Tehrik-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, are a terrorist organisation that have created a significant security risk to Pakistan and aided further destabilisation in Central Asia. With the Taliban looking to play a legitimate role in the central Asian region, it looks like the TTP will be used as a bargaining chip in the Afghan-Pakistan relationship. … Continue readingWho are the Tehrik-Taliban Pakistan and why are they important to Afghanistan-Pakistan relations?

Ito Ay Manifestong Demokrasya: Elections, Political Culture, and Youth Power in Australia and the Philippines

There are likely many things that Philippine elections could learn from how elections are done in Australia. Preferential ballots, compulsory voting, and strong electoral transparency are only the beginnings of a list. However, views of Australian exceptionalism should not stop Australians looking for answers in unexpected places. Australians shouldn’t believe that they have nothing to learn from the conduct of Philippine democracy, or for that fact, any democracy.  … Continue readingIto Ay Manifestong Demokrasya: Elections, Political Culture, and Youth Power in Australia and the Philippines

Nationalism, Femicide, and New Masculinities: the far-right’s weaponisation of violence against women

Gendered violence is on the rise; it’s been declared an epidemic in several countries, including Australia, with the past few years having proved particularly dangerous for women. For hardline conservatives, there are a host of people to blame; recently, immigrants have been a favourite. The scapegoating of vulnerable communities by this section of the political spectrum has proven not just ineffective at combating male violence against women, but points towards a worrying trend of the dehumanisation of one group in the name of protection for another. … Continue readingNationalism, Femicide, and New Masculinities: the far-right’s weaponisation of violence against women

Anatomy of a breakup: the split of the Coalition and the worldwide state of agrarian populism

After nearly four decades of strained ties, the National and Liberal parties have gone their separate ways, announcing a ‘not unanimous but quite conclusive’ split. Spearheaded by Nationals leader David Littleproud, the decision came after negotiations stalled over four key policy directives within the Coalition agreement – most notably regarding nuclear energy commitments and divestiture powers targeting supermarkets. Overall, this move has cast further doubt on future campaign prospects of the federal opposition, as it seeks to rebuild following an extraordinary defeat during the recent federal election. … Continue readingAnatomy of a breakup: the split of the Coalition and the worldwide state of agrarian populism

Eurovision 2025: the crossroads of culture and conflict

Austria’s JJ may have won Eurovision 2025, but the contest’s spotlight now shines on deeper tensions. With rising criticism over Israel’s inclusion, public protests, and broadcaster defiance, the event that’s hailed as non-political, strictly neutral now finds itself at the centre of global debate. As the EBU faces pressure from contestants, financial backers and viewers, questions grow louder about the future of neutrality, fairness, and cultural diplomacy on Europe’s biggest stage. … Continue readingEurovision 2025: the crossroads of culture and conflict

In Need of a Shepherd: Pope Leo XIV, a Church in Flux, and Our Desire for Moral Leadership

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, holds a series of firsts in the history of the Catholic Church. 

He becomes the first pontiff born after World War II, the first Augustinian to ascend the throne of Saint Peter, the first pope from the United States and also the first native English speaker since Adrian IV (r. 1154–1159).  His election not only broadens the geographic reach of the papacy but disrupts the traditional Eurocentric dominance of Catholic leadership. … Continue readingIn Need of a Shepherd: Pope Leo XIV, a Church in Flux, and Our Desire for Moral Leadership

Pillars of Strength: Breaking down the AUKUS Agreement

Donald Trump’s response of  “What does that mean?” may feel familiar to many when the acronym AUKUS is mentioned. Some readers may be familiar with the dialogue of submarines and the eye-watering amounts that this deal will apparently cost Australia (anywhere from $268bn to $368bn) but what actually is AUKUS and what does this all mean for Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific region?  … Continue readingPillars of Strength: Breaking down the AUKUS Agreement