South Africa has a long history of women at the helm of its foreign affairs ministry but this hasn’t translated into a gender balanced foreign policy environment
New Zealand’s decision to block Huawei from its 5G cellular networks due to security concerns is likely to be just the first of many that challenge Wellington’s relationship with Beijing.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s historic visit to Vanuatu is centred around security. This fits a pattern shifting the focus from development to militarisation in Australia’s Pacific foreign policy.
NZ’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stands out internationally as she talks about doing politics differently. Yet, domestically, there’s little discussion about priorities in foreign policy.
Eric Stern, University at Albany, State University of New York
The significant churn in the Trump administration has caused confusion in foreign policymaking. In contrast, Bush’s presidency was marked by collegiality, which contributed to many successes.
Private companies – many based in the US – are blocking access to their websites from particular countries around the world. It’s contributing to a splintering of the global internet.
President Trump says an alliance with Saudi Arabia is necessary, despite evidence the country’s crown prince ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has a busy summit season ahead of him. After early foreign policy stumbles, it’s important he reads his briefs, listens to the diplomats and stays humble.
For years Turnbull had to endure the sniping of Abbott, the man he brought down. Now Turnbull is the sniper at the window, though Morrison didn’t cause his fall (unless you buy the conspiracy
theory).
Hangga Fathana, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta
If their trade deal is delayed, this will not only create a huge loss for the Australian and Indonesian economies but also change foreign policy dynamics between the two countries.
Qatar’s decision to aid Turkey in the face of American sanctions against the country may finally be a snub too far for its close relationship with the US.
Whether New Zealand achieves real change in the way it engages with Pacific nations depends on how the ‘Pacific reset’ funding boost is translated into action on the ground.
American policymakers and lawmakers are floating unilateral sanctions against Russia, Iran and even Turkey in an effort to change behavior. But research shows sanctions only work in narrow circumstances.
Millennials are less inclined than older Americans to intervene abroad, maintain superior military power or believe the US is an exceptional nation. What does that mean for the country’s future?
Many presidents have radically changed US foreign policy. Truman created his own doctrine. Carter gave up the Panama Canal. But a presidential historian sees danger in Trump’s decision-making style.