may see it as something that gives them an advantage, or at least levels the playing field. Russia’s core disinformation doctrine claims as justification that it is the best way to match the strategic advantage of the United States. And all of our adversaries recognize that their strategic messaging is less successful when it is identified as com

guiding hand was replaced by new “-isms” (communism, fascism, capitalism, liberalism, nationalism, etc.). Like religious gurus, modern political leaders managed the flow of news to the masses and instructed them on the proper ways in which to interpret it. Today, religion and political ideologies exert less influence on many people, but the flo

The first three months of 2025 have seen 36 people convicted of “continuing the activities” of banned Jehovah’s Witness organisations. Most recently, these have included Olga Feliksovna Kalinnikova (born 4 December 1976) and Larisa Valentinovna Potapova (born 21 March 1964), who were convicted under Criminal Code Article 282.2, Part 1.1 and P

Dutton’s personal credibility is low in the Pacific, where people still remember his tasteless joke about water “lapping at the door”. That was in 2015, so is likely seen as ancient history by the Australian media and political insiders. But in the Pacific, people have long memories. As of this week, the proportion of Australian development a

The withdrawal of USAID will create opportunities for competing powers to expand their spheres of influence. China’s increased involvement in regions previously supported by USAID could realign geopolitical alliances, diminish US influence, and alter the balance of power in favour of nations with differing governance models. China’s Belt and Ro