Current Issue
AFA4 - October 2018Defending Australia
The fourth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the challenge of defending Australia at a time of regional uncertainty and fast-changing military technology. It explores the nation’s main vulnerabilities and the capabilities needed to secure against them, including the consequences of a nuclear arms race in Asia.
- Michael Wesley examines the state of Australia’s security as Asia’s power balance shifts.
- Patrick Walters probes the overhaul of Australia’s expanding intelligence agencies.
- John Birmingham analyses Australia’s weapons capabilities as the military expands its reach.
- Stephan Frühling explores Australia’s options for developing nuclear weapons to protect its maritime approaches.
- Jane Perlez discusses the West’s misjudgement of Xi Jinping, China’s leader for life.
- Matthew Thompson examines Rodrigo Duterte’s murderous rule in the Philippines.
- Tess Newton Cain reports on mining in the Pacific region.
PLUS Correspondence from Philips Vermonte, John McCarthy, Andrew MacIntyre and more.
A first-rate contribution to these necessary public debates. The highlights are Michael Wesley on the erosion of our strategic security; Patrick Walters’s incisive overview of how and why the Australian intelligence community is being reshaped; and Stephan Fruhling’s reflection on the ‘unthinkable’ proposition that Australia should acquire nuclear weapons.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Jonathan Pearlman is the editor of Australian Foreign Affairs and is a correspondent for The Telegraph (UK) and The Straits Times newspaper (Singapore). He previously worked at The Sydney Morning Herald, covering foreign affairs and politics from Canberra and Sydney.
Australia is increasingly affected by events beyond its borders, especially as global power and wealth shifts towards Asia. The challenges facing Australia and the region are varied and complex, but they are also fascinating. There is a strong need and appetite for a publication that explores these challenges and debates the ways Australia should respond.
— Jonathan Pearlman, Editor, Australian Foreign Affairs
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Next Issue
AFA5 - February 2019Are We Asian Yet?
History vs Geography
“One of Australia’s defining characteristics is the belief that the nation is headed for an Asian future. Destiny allows little room for choice.” DAVID WALKER
The fifth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines Australia’s struggle to define its place in Asia as it balances its historic ties to the West with its geography.
Are We Asian Yet? explores Australia’s changing population, outlook and identity as it adjusts to the Asian Century.
- David Walker examines Australia’s fears, hopes and anxieties about its place and future in Asia.
- Linda Jaivin analyses art, politics and propaganda in the cultural dance between Australia and China.
- George Megalogenis discusses how Australia’s ousting of PMs affects the nation’s reputation in Asia.
- Sarah Teo explores Asian perceptions of Australia and asks whether it can truly be part of the region.
- Sam Roggeveen proposes that Australia should foster a larger Indonesian diaspora.
- Christos Tsiolkas reflects on the complexities of identity politics.
- Santilla Chingaipe interrogates Western reporting on Africa.
- Sam Geall analyses the politics of climate change.
- Aarti Betigeri examines the rise of India’s ambitious middle class.
- Peter Fray contemplates the imperilled future of truth in politics.
PLUS Correspondence from Alison Broinowski, Jim Molan, Michael Shoebridge and Paul Bracken.
