Afa11 The March Of Autocracy

“China is an emergent empire of a kind never seen before . . . It’s not a gunpowder or dreadnought battleship or B-52 bomber empire. It’s an information empire, propelled by commercial interests.” JOHN KEANE The eleventh issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the rise of authoritarian and illiberal leaders, whose growing assertiveness is reshaping the Western-led world order. The March of Autocracy explores the challenge for Australia as it enters a new era, in which China’s sway increases and democracies compete with their rivals for global influence. John Keane probes Western misconceptions about China to show why its emerging empire might be more resilient than believed. Natasha Kassam & Darren Lim explore how Xi’s China model is reshaping the global order. Sam Roggeveen considers Washington’s stance on China and whether Biden can seek to restore US primacy. Linda Jaivin discusses how Australia might use its strengths as a middle power to combat China’s influence. Huong Le Thu suggests how Australia can improve its South-East Asian ties. Kate Geraghty lays bare the horrific impact that war can have on women. Melissa Conley Tyler reveals the crippling impact of Australia’s underfunding of diplomacy. PLUS Correspondence on AFA10: Friends, Allies and Enemies from Charles Edel, Rikki Kersten and more.

“Australia’s climate and energy policy is a ‘toxic time bomb’ . . . Now Morrison, feeling the heat from Australia’s allies, from growing numbers in the business community and from a majority of voters, needs to work out how he will handle that bomb.” MARIAN WILKINSON The twelfth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the growing pressure on Australia as global and regional powers adopt tough measures to combat climate change. Feeling the Heat looks at the consequences of splitting from the international consensus, and at how a climate pivot by Canberra could unlock new diplomatic and economic opportunities. Marian Wilkinson probes how Canberra is responding to international pressure on climate and asks if we are at a political tipping point. Wesley Morgan warns that Australia’s climate policy is undermining our Pacific relationships and proposes a path for rebuilding trust. Richard Denniss and Allan Behm expose Australia’s efforts to obstruct international climate action and to support fossil fuel exports. Amanda McKenzie uncovers how Australia’s climate policy impedes its diplomacy and how to address this malaise. Anthony Bergin and Jeffrey Wall outline a solution to Australia’s dwindling business ties in the Pacific. Hugh Riminton examines the future contours of the Asian Century. Michelle Aung Thin discusses the brutal Myanmar coup and its impact on the nation. PLUS Correspondence on AFA11: The March of Autocracy from Fergus Ryan, Kevin Boreham and Yun Jiang.

The latest issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the rising tensions over the future of Taiwan as China’s pursuit of ‘unification’ pits it against the United States and US allies such as Australia. The Taiwan Choice looks at the growing risk of a catastrophic war and the outlook for Australia as it faces a strategic choice that could reshape its future in Asia. Hugh White on why war over Taiwan is the gravest danger Australia might be facing Lead essays exploring Australia’s military capacity to enter a war over Taiwan; the significance of the strategic choice that lies ahead for Australia; and the view from Taiwan Award-winning writer Richard Cooke on foreign policy jargon PLUS correspondence on AFA13: India Rising? Australian Foreign Affairs is published three times a year and seeks to explore – and encourage – debate on Australia’s place in the world and global outlook.

Disruption has blown the old world apart. The rise of China, Trump's America First policies, division within Europe and successful defiance by authoritarian states are affecting the shape of the emerging new order. Human rights, rule of law, free media and longstanding global institutions all seem set to be weakened. Autocracies are exercising greater control over world affairs. Australia will need to engage heightened levels of diplomacy to forge relations with countries of opposing principles. It will need to be agile in pursuing a realistic foreign policy agenda. China's Grand Strategy and Australia's Future in the New Global Order contains answers for how Australia must position itself for this possibly dystopian future.

A pioneer for women in international diplomacy, Sue Boyd shares this account of her life in foreign service. 'An engaging account of life at the coalface by one of Australia's most active and effective diplomats - and real pathfinder in leading our diplomatic establishment out of its sexist dark age' -- Gareth Evans, Foreign Minister 1988-96 'A thoroughly engaging read. Sue's book took me for a walk down memory lane, remembering the tumultuous events of 2000 in Fiji and the fall out thereafter. Sue has a rare understanding of the Pacific Islands and its peoples. An enjoyable read. Part of it made me laugh out loud. From a gender perspective, it offers intuitions into the difficulties faced by women attempting to pierce the glass ceiling. Sue faced those difficulties with good humour and common sense, partly explaining why she has had such a successful career.' -- Imrana Jalal, The World Bank

The latest issue of Australian Foreign Affairs explores Australia's status as the most China-dependent country in the developed world, and the potential risks this poses to its future prosperity and security. China Dependence examines how Australia should respond to the emerging economic and diplomatic challenges as its trade - for the first time - is heavily reliant on a country that is not a close ally or partner.

“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. 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.