Blog
Oceania
Women in Vanuatu Vie for a Presence in Parliament
By Joshua Mcdonald
Vanuatu is one of three nations with no women in parliament. 17 female candidates are hoping to change that.
Pandemic in the Pacific: COVID-19 to Hit Pacific Economies Hard
By Joshua Mcdonald
The Pacific’s lucrative tourism industry could collapse amid the lockdown on international travel.
COVID-19 Risks Stalling the Indonesia-Australia Economic Partnership
By Kyle Springer
It’s been a year since the signing of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA); the global pandemic could delay the next critical steps.
Australia’s Southeast Asian Step Down
By Grant Wyeth
Diminishing Canberra's presence in Southeast Asia to reinforce its goals in the South Pacific is a trade-off with a significant cost.
New Zealand Marks Year Since Christchurch Massacre
By Joshua Mcdonald
A year on from the Christchurch massacre -- what has New Zealand done to prevent further attacks?
Christchurch Marks Anniversary of Mosque Shootings
A memorial event had to be canceled amid COVID-19 fears, but New Zealanders remembered the tragedy that “fundamentally changed” their country.
Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson in Australian Hospital With COVID-19
By Associated Press
The actor is easily the most famous person yet to disclose they have COVID-19, which the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic.
Australia to Follow US Withdrawal From Afghanistan
By Joshua Mcdonald
After 18 years of war, Australian troops will withdraw from Afghanistan amid a hoped-for peace.
Australian Associated Press to Shut Down After 85 years
By Associated Press
Australian media organizations face mounting financial pressure.
Australia: Far-Right on the Rise as Intelligence Chief Warns of Terror Threat
By Joshua Mcdonald
Australia’s far-right have been growing undetected by authorities, but ASIO now warns of “probable” terror attack.
China, Australia and a Compliant New Normal?
By Grant Wyeth
Direct external coercion isn't necessary if concern for Beijing’s sensitivities and compliance become the new normal.
China, Australia, and the Soft Power of Rugby in the South Pacific
By Thomas Wilkinson
Samoa will host a rugby tournament, thanks to Chinese funding. But Australia sees the sport as its own soft power advantage.