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Nov 26, 2024 | 
internationalaffairs.org.au | Derek McDougall
Geoff Raby’s new book examines the evolving power dynamics in Core Eurasia, focusing on the competition between China and Russia, particularly in Central Asia. Raby highlights historical tensions, strategic implications, and the shifting global order, offering insights into China’s rising dominance and the potential for a strategic shift in US-Russia relations.
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Oct 30, 2024 | 
internationalaffairs.org.au | Derek McDougall
There is a disjunction between the Samoa CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) as reported in the media in Australia and the United Kingdom (UK), and CHOGM as actually experienced. How should we better understanding the meetings? In the Australian media the focus was on CHOGM as an arena for tensions between Australia and the Pacific island countries (PICs) over climate action, also raising the spectre of increasing Chinese engagement with these countries.
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Jul 15, 2024 | 
internationalaffairs.org.au | Derek McDougall
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s recent book gives readers insight into his Christian evangelical thinking. However, outside of AUKUS and standing up to “China’s bullying,” it has limited value for those who are primarily interested in foreign policy. Plans for Your Good is an unusual book for a former Australian prime minister to write. With a few exceptions, most Australian prime ministers have followed some version of the Christian faith.
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Jan 8, 2024 | 
internationalaffairs.org.au | Derek McDougall
A more independent foreign policy would help to reconcile Australia’s political and economic configurations with emerging international changes. How such a policy and identity shift may come about is yet to be determined, but it is clear that America’s decline and China’s regional impact are likely to influence what comes next. A constant theme in discussions of Australian foreign policy is the question of how much influence Australia has in the international environment.
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Jan 7, 2024 | 
caribbeannewsglobal.com | Derek McDougall
By Derek McDougallProspects for AUKUSWhile clearly AUKUS is a new development, we can ask whether this partnership is likely to endure. There are at least two aspects to consider: the submarine programme and the strategic impact. With reference to the submarine programme, the most relevant factor to consider is the political situation in each of the three AUKUS countries. With a production schedule extending to the 2050s, there are many potential obstacles.
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Jan 7, 2024 | 
menafn.com | Derek McDougall
(MENAFN- Caribbean News Global) By Derek McDougallProspects for AUKUSWhile clearly AUKUS is a new development, we can ask whether this partnership is likely to endure. There are at least two aspects to consider: the submarine programme and the strategic impact. With reference to the submarine programme, the most relevant factor to consider is the political situation in each of the three AUKUS countries. With a production schedule extending to the 2050s, there are many potential obstacles.
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Nov 22, 2023 | 
internationalaffairs.org.au | Derek McDougall
Donald Trump is an endlessly fascinating political figure for Australians, not just because of the experience of his 2017-2021 presidency, but because of his ongoing role in US politics and the very real possibility that he will return as president in 2025. Bruce Wolpe addresses this situation in a very engaging book that provides important insights into both Trump I and the possibility of Trump II from an Australian perspective. Wolpe is very well placed to undertake this task.
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Nov 2, 2023 | 
internationalaffairs.org.au | Derek McDougall
Sam Roggeveen takes issue with assumptions concerning the staying power of the United States in East Asia, while also arguing against the view that China is a threat to Australia. He is an advocate for “defensive defence,” urging a return to the “defence of Australia” doctrine rather than proceeding with the AUKUS arrangements. As far as the US is concerned, Roggeveen’s position is that the US is protected by its geographical distance from Asia (and from Europe for that matter).
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Mar 29, 2023 | 
eastasiaforum.org | Derek McDougall |Peter McDonald |Katharine H.S. Moon
Author: Derek McDougall, University of MelbourneAfter winning office in December 1972, former Australian Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam established diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) in February 1973. While Whitlam is often credited with ending Australian involvement in the Vietnam War, this assessment of history is a misunderstanding.
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Mar 29, 2023 | 
blogarama.com | Derek McDougall
Author: Derek McDougall, University of MelbourneAfter winning office in December 1972, former Australian Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam established diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) in February 1973. While Whitlam is often credited with ending Australian involvement in the Vietnam War, this assessment of history is a misunderstanding.
