Blog
Oceania
Court Clears Way for Samoa to Get Its First Woman Leader
By Nick Perry
Two decisions by the Supreme Court have paved the way for Fiame Naomi Mata’afa to become prime minister.
Australia-China Trade Tensions Persist With Cancelled Agreements and Sharp Statements
By Joshua Mcdonald
Canberra and Beijing pass the one-year mark of increased tensions over COVID-19 origins and the subsequent trade war.
Australia Signs Deal for 25M Moderna Doses Through Next Year
By Rod McGuirk
Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government has drawn fire for the country's slow vaccine roll-out.
How the US Can Protect the Sovereignty of the Smallest Pacific Islands
By Alexander B. Gray
As the Biden administration confronts China’s growing assertiveness, the challenges confronting the smallest Pacific Islands should be front of mind.
Under Pressure, Australia Reverses Ban on Returns from India
By Grant Wyeth
Although the ban is set to be lifted on May 15, flying home for Australians in India will still be a difficult, and expensive, prospect.
New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern Takes Tougher Stance on China
By Nick Perry
Ardern's unusually targeted comments against China followed growing diplomatic discontent with Wellington's stance.
Fiji Locks Down Large Cities as COVID-19 Cases Rise
By Joshua Mcdonald
Health authorities believe the virus found its way back into the community after a soldier providing security at a quarantine facility became infected.
Australia’s Message to Its Expats: You’re On Your Own
By Edward Cavanough
Despite holding Australian citizenship, expatriates have been all but abandoned by their government.
The US Should Apologize to the Marshall Islands for Nuclear Tests
By Ivana Nikolić-Hughes, Glenn Alcalay, and Hart Rapaport
The United States tested 67 nuclear weapons from 1946 to 1958 in what is now the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Australia Avoids Reckoning With Afghanistan War Crimes Allegations
By Joshua Mcdonald
More cases of alleged unlawful killings and abuse by Australian special forces in Afghanistan arise.
Australia Ends China Deals on National Interest Grounds
By Rod McGuirk
In response, Chinese state media warned of "serious consequences for unreasonable provocation against China."
Examining Australia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security
By Grant Wyeth
Women and girls often suffer the effects of conflict disproportionately to men.