PIVOT

Sports: Australia’s Diplomatic Tool

Sports diplomacy has become a feature of international relations that is often brushed aside compared to traditional conceptions of diplomacy. Historically, it has had an important influence in acting as an arm of soft power. Specifically, sport has been used to influence cultural exchanges and political values among nations. Now, Australia has become a frontrunner in recognising the importance that sports can play in soft power. … Continue readingSports: Australia’s Diplomatic Tool

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’?

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?

THE WORLD NEEDS IT | THE CASE FOR TOKYO 2020

As the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics commenced last night, protests throughout the Japanese capital opposed what many considered to be a risky imposition during a global pandemic. This comes as Japan records over 5,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, a spike which saw spectators banned from Olympic events. This begs the question whether it was wise for the Japanese Government and the International Olympic Committee to continue with the Games. The simple answer is not one based on logic. It has its roots in the romanticism of sports as a uniting force and the need to distract billions from the devastation and gloom they are suffering. … Continue readingTHE WORLD NEEDS IT | THE CASE FOR TOKYO 2020

Australia at the G7 Summit

The 47th G7 summit marked an important opportunity for Australia to contribute to solutions to pressing global issues and improve its diplomatic position among the world’s leading democracies. However, while there were some positives that emerged from the summit meeting, Australia appeared isolated on the key issue of climate policy, among others. … Continue readingAustralia at the G7 Summit

Armenia vs Azerbaijan: A Caucasus proxy war?

The region of Nagorno-Karabakh has remained a sensitive one for decades. The small landlocked enclave rests between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two states who lay age-old claims to the disputed territory. However, the most recent war, lasting six weeks, added a new element to the fighting: the evident involvement of regional powerhouses Russia and Turkey. … Continue readingArmenia vs Azerbaijan: A Caucasus proxy war?

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

ISRAEL’S PATCHWORK COALITION: HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Netanyahu’s downfall comes after a tumultuous period in Israeli politics. With four legislative elections in two years and Netanyahu being indicted on charges of bribery and fraud, many around the world see the new government led by Naftali Bennett as a force for positive change. However, Netanyahu, the seasoned political veteran who has served as PM for five terms, might be able to take advantage of the weaknesses in the arguably fragile coalition to return to power. … Continue readingISRAEL’S PATCHWORK COALITION: HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

The Illegality and Implications of the Ryanair Flight 4978 Diversion

On the 23rd of May, 2021, a RyanAir flight departing from Greece to Lithuania was forced to land in Minsk by Belarus authorities. Although the Belarusian government maintains that its diversion of the flight was due to a purported bomb threat on-board, it is widely believed in the international community that its sole intention was to arrest dissident journalist Roman Protasevich. … Continue readingThe Illegality and Implications of the Ryanair Flight 4978 Diversion

NORTHERN IRELAND’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE: LOYALISM, REPUBLICANISM AND PEACE

Since the Troubles ended in 1998, Northern Ireland has been searching for a way to allow its two communities, with often diametrically opposed identities, interests and aspirations, to live together peacefully. Intriguingly, these communities — loyalists/unionists and republicans/nationalists — are political (and somewhat religious), rather than racial, religious, or economic. Mostly Protestant loyalists identify as British and wish for Northern Ireland to remain in the United Kingdom (UK), while mostly Catholic republicans identify as Irish and wish for it to leave the UK and reunite with the Republic of Ireland. This division was and continues to be the catalyst of Ireland’s violent past and uncertain future. … Continue readingNORTHERN IRELAND’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE: LOYALISM, REPUBLICANISM AND PEACE