With strong rule of law credentials and expertise, Canberra should use its advantage in responses to war.

For Moscow, science has always come second to ideology.

Moscow has made a cynical calculation that conflict serves its interests.

Operating under flags of convenience, hundreds of vessels are evading the sanctions meant to stifle movement.

Cut off from the West, Russia is making a turn to Asia. But this leaves a cultural wound.

The Kursk offensive is a reminder of the enduring power of surprise. Prudence suggests that Australia needs be prepared.

No longer in the “middle of nowhere”, Central Asian countries are collaborating and diversifying, often away from Russia.

In a calculated gamble, the purpose appears as much political as military: a positive shift to the narrative, directed at multiple audiences.

Russia calls them mercenaries to deny international legal protections. Accountability is essential.

Contradictions between the two models of governance make coexistence among superpowers difficult.

With countries from outside the region looking to join, is the SCO about to beef up its geopolitical clout?

Despite the bluster about foreign policy independence, the Indian PM could have kept Putin at a distance.

Despite Moscow’s charm offensive, regional states are keeping their options open, and China remains the partner of choice.

The renewed marriage of convenience between Russia and North Korea has global implications.

With the Paris Games only weeks away, the controversy around athletes from “rogue” countries is set to intensify.

Putin and Kim wanted to send a message of strength. But the world might have heard differently.

Ever a pragmatist, the Russian leader’s calculated alignments are purely based on needs and interests.

Even a powerful state must make trade-offs in its foreign policy.

Seen as a potential heir apparent to Sergey Lavrov, Vassily Nebenzia is a mysterious but relentless envoy for the Kremlin.

Acknowledging the crimes in the 1940s would underline the attachment to Ukraine and rebuff changing borders by force.

But nor does this mean the end of Western hesitancy in its support for Ukraine.

An obsession with deterrence of Russian aggression treats Ukraine as a by-product rather than the main game.

Russia’s military aims in Ukraine have been furthered by its trade with the Central Asian nation.

Once a de facto leader in the post-Soviet space, Moscow is now falling outside the friend zone in its own backyard.

A game of semantic camouflage allows the Kremlin to reposition itself onto a war footing.

The Kremlin is covering its own mistakes in the bid to deflect attention.

One of Moscow’s goals in the Middle East was in many ways similar to that of the United States – to prevent the spillover of extremism.

With Kim Jong-un extending an olive branch to Tokyo, high-level talks may be on the cards, but roadblocks remain.

And just as importantly, is the West willing to call his bluff?

With non-permanent member status on the UN Security Council, Seoul has a long list of goals to help make its mark.

Kim Jong-un has been on a charm offensive to rekindle trade and tourism links with friendly neighbours.

Few expected Navalny to survive but his death shows how closed and suspicious Putin’s circle has become at home.

Calm down, Congressman.

The war in Ukraine appears to be a revolution in naval warfare. Australia’s upcoming Surface Fleet Review must reflect on the consequences.

Ukraine will be up against it maintaining Western support this year.  

Every day, millions of barrels of oil are being transported by ships with obscured ownership and origin. But is the game up?

In the Russian leader’s world, friends are returning and with it the whiff of success.

Gushing portrayals of a revived relationship should be treated with caution.

Strife in the Middle East, hyper-partisans in the US Congress, and Russian troops on the march. We've been here before.

Expert crews are risking their lives to keep the lights on amid Russia’s invasion – with help from far away, too.

Moscow hopes the Middle East will distract the West from supporting Ukraine – but old troubles at home could stir again.

A country already severely tested will face challenges in politics, maintaining global attention, and ensuring the necessities of war.

History can be a useful guide, but the geopolitical circumstances of today are vastly different.

Restrictions on technology with both a civilian and military application are too often worthless without better coordination.

Australia would be wise to diversify its gas exports now before Russia’s pivot to Asia takes hold.

The Russian leader will use a regional summit in Kyrgyzstan in an attempt to show he's not isolated.

Successful attacks and talk of new missile systems shifts momentum in Kyiv’s favour provided that political support is sustained.

Kim Jong-un can thank decisions taken by his grandfather decades ago for any weapons exports to Russia that may come about in the future.

Asking the Kremlin would be a good start.

Kim Jong-un sent a message in his summit with Vladimir Putin, not only about military cooperation but also regime survival.