news
defence
international relations January 17, 2026
‘Rich dummy’: How the AUKUS deal is set to fail
Defence experts say while Australia keeps meeting downpayments on the promised Virginia-class nuclear submarines, it is getting nothing in return for a deal that shows signs of failure on several fronts.
defence October 11, 2025
The illusion of the PNG treaty
ANALYSIS: Australia’s new treaty appears to seal a commitment to a close strategic relationship with PNG and to its defence, but that’s not what the deal will deliver.
international relations September 20, 2025
How AUKUS shapes Australia’s Pacific Islands relationship
ANALYSIS: The AUKUS submarines project contradicts the logic of the government’s diplomatic efforts across the Pacific Islands to forestall China.
international relations September 6, 2025
What went wrong for Richard Marles in Washington
ANALYSIS: What the defence minister has tried to dismiss as a diplomatic non-event is a serious harbinger of what the US demands of Australia, particularly over AUKUS.
defence June 28, 2025
Time for Australia to sign non-nuclear treaty
The Australian co-founder of a Nobel Prize-winning advocacy group says it is time for Labor to honour its promise, while in opposition, to ratify the UN’s nuclear weapons ban treaty.
international relations June 28, 2025
Inside Labor’s response to the US strikes on Iran
The prime minister’s slow reaction to supporting America’s unauthorised missile strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites shows the contradictions at the heart of Labor’s foreign policy.
international relations June 21, 2025
‘The Islamic Republic as we have known it is finished’
The major constraints on Israel’s pursuit of its wish to destroy Iran’s nuclear program have lifted – Iran’s future now depends on the extent to which America is willing to get involved.
international relations March 29, 2025
Choosing Australia’s frigate suppliers
In deciding whether to award a massive Australian naval contract to Japan or to Germany, the Australian government must carefully weigh both competing strengths and strategic relationships.
international relations March 22, 2025
Will Trump upheaval force AUKUS rethink?
As Elon Musk guts the department overseeing America’s nuclear capabilities, concern is mounting about Australia’s AUKUS deal, with experts advising a turn back to Europe for procurement.
defence March 8, 2025
Donald Trump’s son and the Australian arms dealer
Australia’s largest private arms supplier, Robert Nioa, has become a regular of Donald Trump’s inner circle – and a confidant of Peter Dutton. He is also Bob Katter’s son-in-law.
defence February 22, 2025
In a wide-ranging account of the threats facing Australia, the ASIO chief revealed hostile actions from state actors, extremists and, increasingly, adolescents.
