Fresh Perspectives
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The Global Gag Rule Will Harm International Security
By Maria TanyagThe recently reinstated US Global Gag Rule will have far-reaching consequences for women's health and gender equality. The ongoing imbalance prevents effective long-term solutions to conflict. In January 2017, US President Donald Trump...
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Start-Ups and the Defence Technology Race
By Thom DixonAustralia is straddling a defence technology divide between the US and China. Taking better care of homegrown defence industry start-ups may be one way to ensure Canberra doesn't risk falling further behind. In the past decade, international...
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Money, Power and Muscles: Women in Nepalese Politics
By Sarah HewittVoting in Nepal’s first local government elections in 20 years begins on 14 May. While women’s rights in Nepal have made significant progress since the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Treaty, considerable barriers to Nepalese women’s equal political...
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We Need to Talk About The Philippines
By Rory MacNeilPhilippines President Rodrigo Duterte's unusually abrasive style, extreme policies and international media visibility have become a source of tension in the relationship with Australia. While Duterte remains in power, Australia needs to develop...
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The Judgments Project: An Update from The Hague
By Andreas SherborneThe Judgments Project at The Hague has made significant progress following the second meeting of the Special Commission and the development of a draft convention. The new convention is intended to simplify and strengthen international law by...
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Trump 100: Climate Change Retreat
By Nicholas PetersIn his first 100 days, US President Donald Trump has upended US climate policy. Unless he changes course, his administration may reverse hard-won international progress in the fight against climate change and Trump’s own voters will be among the...
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Cracking the Glass Ceiling is Simply Not Good Enough
By Claudia RussoThe full participation of women in national security is not only an issue of equality: it is vital to Australia’s capabilities and prosperity. Systemic and cultural changes are needed immediately to achieve this goal. Mere progress is not...
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Why Chemical Weapons are Not Quite Cricket
By Stjepan BosnjakThe international taboo against chemical weapons is widespread albeit inconsistently applied. The reaction to the recent chemical attack in Syria demonstrates the West’s historical horror at the use of chemical weapons. Five years ago, US...
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China’s Gambling is Stacked in Macau’s Favour
By Catherine GarlickFor Chinese President Xi Jinping, the only thing worse than gambling in China is travelling elsewhere to gamble. Following Xi’s crackdown on corruption, Macau is reaping the benefits while foreign casinos have drawn a losing hand. Despite the...
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Islamic State is Not Retreating, It’s Redirecting
By Trevor AlexanderAs the battle for Mosul continues, Islamic State’s position in the Middle East has weakened. Yet the terrorist organisation's influence is growing in North Africa. Shadow government operations will be facilitated by the return of North...