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Albanese joins a long line of Labor leaders who are committed to selfish isolationism.

Xi’s delight as obedient Albanese retreats from US alliance

The Labor Party has had to be dragged kicking and screaming to give any support whatsoever to the American alliance. It’s a stance that will please Beijing greatly.

Alexander Downer

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To what extent is our historically close alliance with the US not only the mainstay of the defence of Australia but critical to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region?

Is the US alliance real or just friends with benefits?

It sounds bold and principled to say Australia will make its own budgetary decisions on defence, not the US. But like so many statements coming out of Canberra, it’s a statement of the bleeding obvious.

Alexander Downer

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**EMBARGOED FOR 14/06/2025** 13 June 2025; Two leaders stand at the precipice of a potential war, with the fate of nations hanging in the balance. The artwork symbolizes the high stakes of the conflict, fueled by nuclear ambitions and deep-seated security fears. The roaring lion embodies the raw power and potential devastation at play. Sources: iStock, AFP and Getty Images. Artwork by Sean Callinan. Ratio 16:9. For DIGITAL.

Only a ‘diplomatic child’ could question Israel’s action against Iran

The Israelis are trying to end the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program. If they’d listened to feckless Western politicians, the war with Iranian proxies would just go on.

Alexander Downer

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Russian President Vladimior Putin and US President Donald Trump.

President Trump needs a few history lessons on Russia

Trump needs a simple, clear message for Putin. If he wants to end the war quickly – and he does – he will have to tell the Russian leader the US and its allies will never allow Ukraine to be captured by the Russian military.

Alexander Downer

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(FILES) US President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order after delivering remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled

Let’s get rational on economic policies

It’s ‘astonishing’ that in the era of progressive economic orthodoxy no one asks where the money is coming from.

Alexander Downer

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(16x9) Contenders Artwork.

Gun-shy Liberals ran scared of their own values

During the campaign there were flashes of a values debate but they didn’t happen often. The Liberals looked too frightened to confront their opponents head on with their principles.

Alexander Downer

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President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Bystander diplomacy simply won’t cut it in Trump’s new tariff world

The first instinct of the international community is to think that in time America will return to its free-trading regime. But that would be a big mistake.

Alexander Downer

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Johannes Leak Commentary page cartoon for 07-04-2025 Version: Commentary Cartoon (4:3, 1024x768 - Aspect ratio preserved, Canvas added) COPYRIGHT: The Australian's artists each have different copyright agreements in place regarding re-use of their work in other publications. Please seek advice from the artists themselves or the Managing Editor of The Australian regarding re-use.

Windmills and solar panels won’t help defend Australia

Instead of properly funding our defence force, our governments have been wasting money on windmills and solar panels that will not make one jot of difference.

Alexander Downer

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Political parties that won elections should be held to account for their policies, for which the public had voted, by the Australian people at the subsequent election.

Political limbo is no answer to our decline

It is possible that the Labor Party or the Coalition will win an absolute majority. Still, what could we expect from a hung parliament?

Alexander Downer

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Illustration for Alexander Downer's oped.

Europe’s leaders are still in denial over Ukraine

Donald Trump not only has to deter an aggressive China but also needs to ensure Israel’s existence is not jeopardised by Iran. Rich Europe can deal with Russia with American back-up.

Alexander Downer

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/alexander-downer/page/2