Yesterday
‘Regime change’ or peace: Trump’s head-spinning Iran policy
The president claims another Middle East war has ended – just days after the US joined it.
This Month
Trump’s Iran choice: last-chance diplomacy or a bunker-busting bomb
The US could still become directly involved in a new conflict, taking on Iran in exactly the kind of war that the president has sworn he would avoid.
Why Saudi Arabia raised oil output before Israel’s attack on Iran
After holding back supply for almost three years to push prices higher, the output curbs are no longer having as much impact, say analysts.
Stanley Fischer, who spread the macroeconomic gospel, dies at 81
Dispatched on several occasions to extinguish emergencies around the world, the esteemed economist drew academic lessons from his experience with countries in crisis.
January
What departing presidents say to their successors
In every transition since Ronald Reagan’s to George Bush, the outgoing occupant of the White House leaves behind handwritten words for the man taking his place.
Trump promises peace – and war
The president’s speech this time carried far more specific actions, including territorial aggression on America’s neighbours and US troops on the Mexican border.
Who can best manage Trump – Albanese or Dutton?
Instead of caution and guile from Canberra, we have the absurd posturing of the prime minister and opposition leader on who is best fitted to influence the mad king.
Meta appoints executive with Republican ties to lead global policy
Joel Kaplan is the new head of global policy, replacing Nick Clegg, a former deputy prime minister of Britain who has handled policy and regulatory issues globally for Meta since 2018.
The pressure tactics that turned CSL from ‘minnow’ to powerhouse
Previously unreported documents show US trade negotiators tried to bust CSL’s Australian monopoly. Brian McNamee says it spurred the company to global success.
Howard backs free trade and fossil fuels in Trump era
Trade experts doubt a 20-year free trade agreement between Australia and the US will influence Donald Trump’s decision on tariffs.
East Timor bugging ‘in national interest’: Howard
The former prime minister has reflected on controversy and success at an event marking the release of cabinet documents from 2004.
December 2024
Jimmy Carter was right about America, but nobody listened
“Too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption,” he said in his famous 1979 speech.
The new world order looks like mercantilism
The chaotic politics of the past 16 years masked the steady development of a new economic order, but trade and the economy aren’t zero-sum games.
November 2024
The economics behind ‘credible threats’
Good strategy involves knowing the game, including your opponents, and committing to a strategy.
Trump claims election is being stolen again
The former president is priming his supporters to claim another election steal if he doesn’t win big.
America’s search for a new role continues
Despite the mediocrity of the candidates, America is not down for the count. But it is wasting precious time to redefine its world role
September 2024
Harris under poll pressure ahead of crucial debate
The debate will subject Ms Harris, who has sat for only a single formal interview in the past six weeks, to a rare moment of sustained questioning.
August 2024
Biden was good at managing America’s decline
Between the peak of something and its ultimate demise, a vast amount can be achieved. Perhaps it took a man who became president at 78 to see the point.
July 2024
‘I carry a firearm every day’: party chief who wanted gun inside RNC
Guns were allowed to the edge of the Republican National Convention perimeter this week. Their own politicians wanted to bring their pistols inside the venue.
A history of political assassination in the US
There have been several instances of political violence targeting US presidents, former presidents and major party presidential candidates.