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.
Recent articles in World
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.
21 March 2026
Keeping your chin up – Message from the Editor
Around our dinner table we volunteer our ‘best bits’ for the day. My eldest daughter started it with her boys, and it has now become an evening ritual for us all. It forces you to articulate the good bits of the day, and to listen to what have been the good bits for others. So I thought I would start doing that with readers as well. Each week, as I filter through the hundreds of articles, podcasts, and Instagram posts that inform our coverage, I will pick a best bit. If you are reading this on social media I would...
21 March 2026
‘Cracks are beginning to show’: Trump voters want quick end to Iran War
A new poll shows strong backing among Trump voters for ending the Iran war, with rising concern over costs, casualties and escalation.
21 March 2026
Australia’s six pathways to the war with Iran: Part 1
Australia is already deeply involved in the US–Israel war on Iran, through intelligence, military deployments and long-standing strategic commitments.
20 March 2026
From hubris to holy war – the dangerous logic behind the Iran conflict
The language and beliefs driving the US–Israel war on Iran point to escalation, not restraint – with global consequences.
19 March 2026
The government is sanitising Australia’s involvement in the Iran war
Australia’s support for US and Israeli action against Iran highlights a growing reliance on military responses over diplomacy and international law.
