Blog
Oceania
Australia Rejects US Push for Increased Defense Spending
By Bruce Xin Tao
As Indo-Pacific geopolitical dynamics intensify, Canberra’s response to increased U.S. demands offers a critical lesson in alliance management and strategic autonomy.
New Zealand Reverses Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Ban Amid Energy Security Concerns
By Olya K-Mehri
New Zealand’s experience demonstrates that relying on fossil fuels, even as a stopgap measure, can undermine progress toward net-zero goals.
The Controversial Mine at the Center of Bougainville’s Independence Quest
By Anna-Karina Hermkens
Bougainville – and its resources – could very well end up in the middle of a battle between China and the U.S. over influence in the new nation, and thus in the region.
Australia Gives Green Light for Controversial LNG Project
By Samantha Hepburn
Approving the North West Shelf extension is a disaster for the environment, Australia’s climate commitments, and the fragile and irreplaceable rock art in Murujuga.
A Look Beyond Seats: How Independents Are Gaining Ground in Australia
By Grant Wyeth
The overall combined primary vote for Australia’s major parties has continued to decline, opening space for independents to make gains.
The Strategic Consequences of the Liberal-National Coalition Split in Australia
By Grant Wyeth
The Liberal Party and the National Party have had a permanent coalition since 1946. Not anymore.
As Liberals’ New Leader, Sussan Ley Makes History – But Faces Unprecedented Difficulties
By Mark Kenny
The Liberal Party's first female leader faces the difficult task of leading the party back to the political center.
As Pacific Islands Caution Against Seabed Mining, the US Prepares to Trash the Rules
By Camilla Pohle
The White House’s executive order last month purports to authorize mining in international waters – against the authority of a U.N. regulatory body.
What Can Asia and the Pacific Expect From Australia’s New Government?
By Grace Stanhope
Foreign policy didn’t feature heavily in the campaign, but Labor’s pre-election budget plan offers clues to the government’s priorities.
Australia’s PM Albanese Bound For Indonesia on First Post-election Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
Economic and security relations between Canberra and Jakarta have made significant advances over the past decade.
Solomon Islands PM Avoids No Confidence Vote, But Is Potentially Weakened
By Camilla Pohle
Despite some international headlines, the political opposition to Jeremiah Manele, led by former PM Sogavare, was not about China.
Post-Election Canada and Australia Face Similar Security Challenges – and a Shared Opportunity
By Wesley Nicol
As the world returns to great power competition, smaller powers will need to work together to advance their shared security interests in the absence of U.S. leadership.