Australia’s international relationships were tested in 2018. And the coming year may prove to be even more challenging.
Australia’s plan to move its embassy to Jerusalem rattled Indonesia because recognition of Palestine is one of the key foreign policy values of Indonesia.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The initial aim of the 1937 Foreign Agents Registration Act was long forgotten: the prosecution of Nazis for interfering with American democracy. But that law is startlingly relevant to the US now.
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.
Economists and Wall Street workers fear a recession is underway.
Reuters/Brendan McDermid
Times are changing – will the 2020s be Africa’s decade?
Indonesian President Joko Widodo talks to IMF managing director Christine Lagarde during the plenary session at the IMF and World Bank annual meeting in Nusadua, Bali, Indonesia recently.
Made Nagi/EPA
After 18 years as leader of her party, and 13 as German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has announced that this will be her last term. How has she changed Germany and the world?
Russia is increasingly making its military power felt in the Asia-Pacific region.
Francis R. Malasig/EPA
With Russia’s military capacity and soft power influence steadily increasing in the Asia-Pacific region, it may be time to reevaluate Australia’s Russia strategy.
Naira and her daughter, who are traveling with thousands of other immigrants from Central America, rest in Huixtla, Mexico, on Oct. 22, 2018.
REUTERS/Adrees Latif
A scholar who has worked with asylum-seekers for a decade explains why the legal path to safety is challenging for the migrants currently traveling through Mexico.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrive for high tea at the Grand Garden of Bogor Presidential Palace south of Jakarta.
Lukas Coch/AAP
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.
Things between Saudi King Salman and Turkish President Erdogan have become rather tense.
AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici
The disappearance and alleged murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is worsening relations between US allies Turkey and Saudi Arabia. An expert on the region believes there may be a way out.
The trade deficit, and how much a country exports or imports, is only part of the story.
AP Photo/Reed Saxon
Americans seem to believe trade deficits are a bad thing, partly because of arguments suggesting they mean the US is ‘losing.’ An economist explains why that’s rubbish.
Insiders talk of Brexit as a distraction that is compromising influence on this important international body.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is seen after the swearing-in ceremony for his ministry at Government House in Canberra on Tuesday.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Hangga Fathana, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta
Indonesian media’s coverage of Scott Morrison’s appointment as Australia’s new Prime Minister signals increased public awareness of Australian politics.
Joggers and sightseers take in the Doha skyline.
Reuters/Ibraheem al Omari
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.