An embarrassment over Taiwan at the democracy summit raises again the question of how to think about Taiwan's ambiguous status.
Category: Political issues
An unconvincing referendum
A boycott by the pro-independence forces in New Caledonia produces an overwhelming victory for their opponents and a complete failure to advance towards a solution.
Third time unlucky in New Caledonia
New Caledonia's independence referendum on Sunday is a foregone conclusion, since only one side is planning to turn out. The difficult question is what happens next.
Local democracy in New South Wales
Tomorrow's local elections in New South Wales display a number of features that should be copied elsewhere, in contrast to Victoria's democratic backsliding.
Covid-denial fares badly at the polls
A referendum in Switzerland delivers a big win for public health measures and against the anti-vax lobby.
End of an era in East Asia
South Korea's last two military rulers die within a month of each other, prompting reflections on the era that they represented and the relationship between authoritarianism and economic growth.
A deputy premier goes down
The resignation of South Australia's embattled deputy premier contains an important lesson for how we think about responsible government.
Back on the Brexit train
Britain and Europe are negotiating again, in yet another round of dealing with the consequences of Brexit for Northern Ireland.
A contemptible Trumpist
Donald Trump's acolytes are not above the law, but the prosecution of Steve Bannon shows that the law in question is a complex one. Matters would be much simpler in Australia.
OK, let’s talk about voter ID
As the Morrison government tries to legislate for a voter identification requirement, both its supporters and its opponents seem more focused on American conditions than on its actual implications in Australia.
The World is Not Enough 