The budget increases funding for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by over $450 million, in what’s a positive first step towards remedying our long-term reduction in diplomatic resources.
CPL ROBERT WHITMORE/AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE HANDOUT/EPA
New research on Australia’s statecraft shows the individuals behind official programs and policies are as important as the work itself.
Frederic Eggleston presented his credentials to Chinese President Lin Sen (林森) at an official reception in Chungking on 28 October 1941.
Sydney Morning Herald, November 12 1941
Under the shadow of World War II, Australia began to form its own foreign policy, separate from the British Empire. A legation in China was Australia’s third foreign outpost.
Several countries are developing microwave weapons, like this U.S. Air Force system designed to knock down drones by frying their electronics.
AFRL Directed Energy Directorate
High-power microwave weapons are useful for disabling electronics. A new report says they ‘plausibly explain’ some ailments suffered by US diplomats and CIA agents in Cuba, China and other countries.
Some positions attract more political appointments – like those in Western Europe.
Markus Pfaff/Shutterstock.com
Data show that the US intervenes more in other countries’ affairs than it did in the past. It also currently hires fewer career professionals for ambassadorial or foreign affairs positions.
A neuro-otologist at the University of Miami reported “central vestibular” (inner ear) findings in 36 per cent of American diplomats and their families affected by Havana syndrome.
(Shutterstock)
Australia has joined its allies in expelling Russian diplomats as retaliation for a nerve-agent attack on a former Russian agent and his daughter. But the action is unlikely to trouble Russia.
The US embassy in South Africa has warned of terror threats to the country’s upmarket malls.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings