By Brian Boyd Other power blocs The European Union countries (E U) have tried hard in the  global economic uncertainty, to protect their respective spheres of influence, internally and externally. Their defence framework is called the ‘European Economic Security Strategy’. The EU has moved to completely end its dependency on Russian gas. It is also trying to fend off the …

By Binoy Kampmark Australia’s obsequiousness before US power was again on show at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security forum convened by the International Institute for Strategic Studies to discuss matters relevant to the Indo-Pacific. What was clear was that the US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth was in a fighting mood. “America is proud to be back in the Indo-Pacific …

By Brian Boyd This is the first of a two part-series Introduction The first half of 2024 saw some reportage that dialogue between the US and China had improved. The discussions apparently were about ensuring ‘hot ‘conflict did not accidentally occur between the two superpowers. A senior US White House official said: “The US has sought increased military-to-military engagement in …

by Richard Stone The recent visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. to Australia for high-level diplomatic talks marks a return to the days of the previous Cold War now being played-out with the present one against China. Taking place on the eve of the ASEAN Summit in Melbourne, the Marcos address to parliamentarians in Canberra was designed to act …