Four steps to a successful Quad leaders’ summit

The AUKUS announcement will reshape the agenda of today’s meeting in Washington of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a strategic grouping comprising Australia, the United States, Japan and India. While the agenda for this inaugural in-person …

Can Xi end China’s gilded age?

Within the span of a generation, a new super-rich class emerges from a society in which millions of rural migrants toiled away in factories for a pittance. Bribery becomes the most common mode of influence …

How to buy a submarine (2021 edition)

I’ll admit to being surprised when Australia announced the termination of the deal with Naval Group to build the Attack-class submarines. Not because I thought that shouldn’t happen—I’m on the record as saying that it …

Australia must work to salvage relations with France

Accusations of backstabbing. Cancelled meetings. Ambassadors recalled. You’d be forgiven for thinking Australia had committed a mortal sin against France. In reality, despite the characteristic French bluster, the change of direction on Australia’s submarines reflects …