PIVOT

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

FRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN

The ongoing situation in Afghanistan has thrown into sharp focus the way in which women and girls often face the consequences of war and conflict in a more pronounced and protracted way. Although some mechanisms for protection do exist, the increase in global conflicts over the past decade merits a global effort to further strengthen and reinforce the rights of refugee women and girls, who face unique challenges to their safety and rehabilitation.
… Continue readingFRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN

The Suez Crisis: The Sun Finally Sets

It is widely believed that following the end of the Second World War, there were only two global superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. This is not true. There was a third superpower, wounded by the Second World War, but still maintaining a … Continue readingThe Suez Crisis: The Sun Finally Sets

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?

MIAS Recap: Sports Diplomacy Event

On 11 August 2021, the Monash International Affairs Society hosted an illuminating panel discussion on the world of sports diplomacy and its myriad possibilities as a branch of Australian diplomatic strategy in the Indo-Pacific. In this article, Jerry Nguyen-Schlenker, Winuri de Alwis and Arshiya Merchant review this highly stimulating event and delve deeper into the ideas it presented. … Continue readingMIAS Recap: Sports Diplomacy Event

CHINESE LENDING IN AFRICA: A BLESSING OR A TRAP?

In August 2018, a bipartisan group of 16 US senators cited “the dangers of China’s debt-trap diplomacy” stating that “it is imperative that the United States counters China’s attempts to hold other countries financially hostage and force ransoms that further its geostrategic goals.” Is China providing debt to African countries as a means of obtaining valuable geostrategic assets or are they engaging in a mutually beneficial relationship that is in their economic and geostrategic interest? … Continue readingCHINESE LENDING IN AFRICA: A BLESSING OR A TRAP?

For the Love of Humanity: The Innocent Faces of Afghanistan

Content warning: violence, warfare, distressing images At the podium of one of his characteristic rallies, Donald Trump told his audience in Alabama: “Can anyone even imagine taking out our military before evacuating civilians and others who have been good to our country and who should … Continue readingFor the Love of Humanity: The Innocent Faces of Afghanistan

Global Vaccine Inequality: ‘And the Weak Suffer What They Must’?

As many countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom continue their vaccination campaigns and move closer to becoming post-Covid societies, it has become increasingly clear just how stark the divide between developed and developing nations is, and how COVID-19 is no longer an equal threat to everyone, but instead a something that developed nations no longer need to worry about, while the rest of the world is left to suffer. … Continue readingGlobal Vaccine Inequality: ‘And the Weak Suffer What They Must’?

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF: THE US WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN

Twenty years, four Presidents and over 180,000 casualties later, the United States is officially leaving Afghanistan. The 2001 Invasion of Afghanistan and subsequent War has been the US’s longest conflict. It has further been one of the most consequential events in recent history, responsible for spurring the boundless War on Terror. However, to truly realise the immense repercussions of this momentous occasion, it would serve us to look back at how we got to today. … Continue readingHISTORY REPEATS ITSELF: THE US WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN

#HOMETOBILO – A TURNING POINT IN AUSTRALIA’S ASYLUM SEEKER POLICIES?

Successive Australian governments have been no stranger to condemnation for their hard-line stance on asylum seekers. They make no apology for it, cloaking their policies in a robe of ostensible utilitarianism. However, in recent months, the Coalition has faced strong backlash both domestically and internationally for its treatment of the Murugappan family, who have come to be known simply as the “Biloela Family”. This is in reference to the Queensland town in which they were working and residing before being placed in detention. This latest bookmark in Australia’s uncompromising approach towards asylum seekers has raised questions about the authenticity of its commitment to various international instruments. … Continue reading#HOMETOBILO – A TURNING POINT IN AUSTRALIA’S ASYLUM SEEKER POLICIES?