Between the Lines

Is China's pledge to cut its carbon footprint, genuine? Or a ploy to keep its trading partners happy?; and an unexpected win for Britain's Tory Party

India is now the epicentre of the pandemic and on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. Has Modi let his people down in their hour of need?; and why Australia is supercharging its digital engagement with south-east Asia.

President Joe Biden outlined his economic, climate and diplomatic plans in his first speech to joint sessions of Congress. Can he really promote democracy in a world growing more dangerous?; and when the US-led attack on the Bay of Pigs failed, Castro’s prestige was greatly enhanced while the Americans were met with embarrassment and scorn.

After the recent passing of Andrew Peacock, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg describes his legacy; and former treasurer, Chris Bowen, says the fakes, the fraudsters and the snake-oil merchants are winning the political contests.

Nicolle Flint MP talks about the sexist abuse she’s faced throughout her career, not from within her own party, but from political opponents and activists outside of Canberra; and does 'cancel culture' threaten what remains of our liberal public discourse, or is uncensored free speech a dangerous proposition?

Should philanthropy have to fill the funding gap between state and federal government? Surely it is our leaders' responsibility to provide the mental health needs of all Australians; and while there is work to be done, Australia has done everything possible to economically recover from the pandemic.

British Robert Walpole served for 21 years as the very first prime minister. Robert Menzies held office in Australia for 18 years. What distinguishes a good prime minister from a bad one? Has the job become impossible?

Bangladesh was labelled a 'basket case' when independence was established. Now it is a booming nation. How did they do it? Also; Trump led America down the slippery slope of division, then left office. Can the wide-spread tension be resolved?

A decade after the civil war, is Syria the new Lebanon?; The Labor party won the WA election in a landslide, but will Premier Mark McGowan go the distance?; and Putin's revival of the 'iron curtain'.

Global disasters can require deeper government intervention in the economy and society. Could some of the measures taken during the pandemic, remain in place after it passes? And what does it mean for liberalism?; Also, do Harry and Meghan have a point about the toxic royal 'firm', or is all this drama just jeopardising the reputation of the British institution?