Australia’s bid to co-host the UN climate summit COP31 with Pacific Island countries was built around a clear objective to elevate Pacific climate concerns. That objective is now at risk. The paper proposes that Australia should position the pre-COP for selected global leaders, using it to align Pacific priorities with those of other climate-vulnerable countries.

In a difficult and contested world, all tools of statecraft are needed to contribute to Australia’s international aims. Australia’s education sector is a significant national asset which is often overlooked. This paper looks at the way that education underpins Australia’s foreign policy and defence goals including social cohesion, economic prosperity, national security, resilience and global...

More than 32,000 people from the Pacific and East Timor work in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM), mostly employed in horticulture and meat processing. This report explores where PALM has delivered real benefits, and where structural challenges remain, particularly in relation to worker mobility, exploitation, accommodation, and access to healthcare and...

The 21st edition of this annual report marks the second half of a turbulent decade. The report analyses global risks through three timeframes to support decision makers in balancing current crises and longer-term priorities. It explores the range of implications of these risks and their interconnections, through six in-depth analyses of selected themes.

This paper challenges the AI arms race narrative and explores evidence-based strategies in non-Western regional forums for international cooperation in AI development, and meaningful global collaboration. The research shows the global majority is constructing a strategic 'third path' operating beneath and beyond superpower rivalry.