Oceania

The Pacific Islands are vulnerable to cyberattacks – perhaps none more so than Tuvalu, which aims to become the first digital nation.

The ASIO chief’s Annual Threat Assessment painted a dark picture of the next five years, warning of “more security surprises” in Australia.

Washington should take note.

From spending caps to lower thresholds for donation disclosures, the reforms are the most comprehensive changes to Australia’s electoral system in four decades.

In a world where the great powers are disinterested in trust and responsibility, there’s a lot now on the table for middle powers like Australia to pursue.

Australia, and the rest of the nations in the Indo-Pacific, have major stakes in how this situation unfolds.

We have entered an era where strongmen leaders exercising brute force provides an irresistible emotional thrill. It’s a spectacle that no furry animal or sporting endeavor could match. 

With an eye toward winning Chinese Australian votes, Peter Dutton is simultaneously attempting a softening on some fronts – while retaining the “hard man” image on others.

Canberra may hope that if Trump and his team don’t know Australia exists, then the next four years might go a little smoother. But there's a $230 billion problem.

In the upcoming election, the Australian House of Representatives will be losing a seat – the result of a quirk in the constitution. 

With Honiara as host of this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, China could see its influence at the regional body soar.