David Livingstone
David Livingstone is a former Australian diplomat and an international security and strategy specialist. He served as deputy head of mission in Iraq between 2011 and 2012.
Opinion
Middle East tensions
Why Hezbollah’s best hope is for Israel to invade Lebanon
After October 7, Israel is not interested in red lines, and tragically, Lebanon will probably come to know the horror of that.
- by David Livingstone
Latest
Opinion
Foreign relations
Trump v Rudd: who’d win, the master of the barb or the prince of persuasion?
Kevin Rudd may have called him “nuts”, but a re-elected Donald Trump would learn the former PM is a crafty diplomat, not easily intimidated.
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
US politics
Why Iran’s latest attack should give Australia pause for thought on AUKUS
Australia is in the thick of the United States’ global alignment, and as a key ally, we will rise or fall by its tide.
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
Defence
Why Australia joined the US in missile strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen
Australia’s support for the attacks, carried out by a coalition of allies, contributes to a number of government objectives. Foremost, it silences critics.
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
Foreign relations
A spotlight on our leaders is welcome before they choose to take us to war
The Albanese government has rightly demanded answers about why cabinet papers on Iraq War deliberations went missing. But will this bring transparency to any future decision to take Australia to war?
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
China relations
Albanese’s off to China, but there are some delusions he can leave behind
Just back from meeting Joe Biden in Washington, the prime minister is about to be greeted by Xi Jinping. But can he really waltz with both?
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
Foreign relations
Australia’s most-needed security partner is next door. We just don’t show it
Our reception for the Indonesian president this week deserved much greater fanfare. Australia is in danger of missing a precious opportunity to build its place in the region.
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
AUKUS
We’ve bet everything on subs that will be obsolete by the time they arrive
Submarines are useful in war because of their stealth. But soon, much cheaper technology will readily detect them. So why are we spending billions on them?
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
South China Sea
We won’t be at war with China in three years, in fact we may never be
History tells us that we should exhaustively challenge claimed justifications for war.
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
Defence
Australia’s defence delusions increase the risk of deadly conflict
To develop a meaningful defence strategy, key assumptions about Australia’s threat level must be challenged, and we must learn from failed military conflicts of the past.
- by David Livingstone
Opinion
Defence
Nuclear subs deal an exercise in futility and should be sunk
The decision to purchase eight nuclear-powered submarines will have profound implications for Australia, with little or no military or defence benefit.
- by David Livingstone
Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/by/david-livingstone-p4ywcq