Following the most recent tests by North Korea of a missile that might be able to hit Alaska, the prospect of a direct threat to Australia from the Kim regime is exciting the Australian defence debate.
Australia’s preoccupation with the US-China dynamic in recent years is unsurprising — given its historic relationship with America and the size of economic engagement with China.
The cloak-and-dagger exploits of characters like James Bond and Jason Bourne have shaped our cultural idea of spy work. But these films, made mostly in the US and UK, have little to do with the reality of Australian intelligence.
Article by Professor Bates Gill & Linda Jakobson features in The Australian saying "a new model of economic engagement is required" for AUS-China economic relations.
Julie Bishop is anxious about Asia. She worries about intensifying economic competition as too many workers in rising economies chase too few consumers elsewhere.
Australia must deal now with an inexperienced American leadership inclined to reject expertise. Intelligence chiefs have been removed from the most important decision-making apparatus, the National Security Council, and replaced with ideologues. The potential for grave errors of judgment appears greater than in years.