Recent articles in World
25 March 2026
Crippling or buttressing Iran’s nuclear ambition – Part 2
In a new three-part series, Ramesh Thakur examines dimensions of the Iran war. In part two, he analyses how the US-Israeli war may affect Iran's nuclear capacity and ambitions.
24 March 2026
The WTO is dead? Long live the WTO
Trade ministers gathering to reform the WTO risk starting from the wrong premise. The WTO’s dispute system is impaired, but its core functions remain active. Reform should build on what still works – not start from a false premise of collapse.
24 March 2026
The sinking of IRIS Dena: will hubris meet nemesis? Part 1
In a new three-part series, Ramesh Thakur examines the dimensions of the Iran war. In part one, he analyses the legal issues surrounding the sinking of the Iranian warship Dena.
23 March 2026
Australia’s dangerous blind spot in Southeast Asia
In this excerpt from his Quarterly Essay, Michael Wesley argues Australia has misread a changing world – clinging to old assumptions, over-relying on the US alliance, and overlooking the growing strategic importance of Southeast Asia.
23 March 2026
The meltdown of the Trump presidency: his oath was a betrayal - part two
The presidential oath is a binding constitutional obligation – but Trump's actions raise fundamental questions about what happens when that obligation is ignored.
23 March 2026
Israel is caught in a permanent state of war
An interview with Israeli academic and activist Idan Landau, who says “as long as the US and Europe continue to insulate Israel from the moral consequences of its policies,” things are likely to go from bad to worse.
23 March 2026
As the US destabilises, Asia Pacific steps up
As the United States shifts from stabiliser to disruptor, regional institutions in the Asia Pacific are becoming more central to maintaining order in an increasingly uncertain world.
23 March 2026
Australia’s six pathways to the war with Iran: Part 2
From military bases to diplomacy and defence manufacturing, Australia’s long-standing ties are drawing it further into the US–Israel war on Iran.
22 March 2026
The dangerous stories driving war in Iran
From Trump to Putin, the narratives leaders tell themselves shape global conflict – and the war in Iran shows the consequences when belief overrides reality.
22 March 2026
As Israel invades again, Lebanon faces more turmoil and possible civil war
Renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah risks spiralling into a broader conflict, with scenarios ranging from limited operations to a prolonged war or full-scale regional escalation.
22 March 2026
Five books to help you understand Iran – recommended by experts
In a time of war, five expert-recommended books offer deeper insight into Iran’s history, politics and people – beyond simplified narratives.
