Advertisement
Advertisement
David Morris

David Morris

David Morris is a former Australian and multilateral diplomat and senior fellow at the Centre for China and Globalisation. His book, A New Era of Risk, is published by Ethics Press.
David Morris is a former Australian and multilateral diplomat and senior fellow at the Centre for China and Globalisation. His book, A New Era of Risk, is published by Ethics Press.
Languages Spoken:
English

Opinion | We need a new system that reflects the world’s complexity

Sustainable internationalism would embrace diversity and evidence-based problem-solving, rather than reducing the world to a chessboard.

videocam

As ethno-nationalist populism and propaganda threaten human society, we need leaders who can offer an alternative to confrontation and war.

videocam

The security agreement signed by Canberra and Port Moresby has triggered commentary that it was a reaction to China’s rise. If China fears have sparked this stepped-up security cooperation between two neighbours, those fears have had a net positive effect.

videocam
Advertisement

In the new normal in liberal democracies like Australia, a fearful majority can be mobilised against indigenous rights or a rational China policy. The Australian PM has to keep his objectives for his upcoming China trip modest, as it will be judged at home through the populist filter of fear.

videocam

The Central Asian nation is taking advantage of its strategic location to diversify away from its traditional dependence on Russia. Despite fears of Chinese colonisation, it has succeeded in aligning the belt and road projects with its own development plan, something that can be a lesson for other middle powers.

videocam

The Pacific fishing industry, stressed from climate change and overfishing, does not need additional challenges. Amid concerns about marine life and food safety, Tokyo should apply the precautionary principle.

videocam

Instead of supporting the US tech war on China, the European Union could take the lead in finding pragmatic solutions to the security problems posed by new technologies that other states can implement.

videocam

Optimism about globalisation could be snuffed out for a long time, making the outlook for China and its deeply global value chains problematic. How China chooses to respond could deepen Western fears – or begin the long process of nurturing a new form of sustainable cooperation.

videocam

Any overreaction by China to this unremarkable alliance of traditional partners would only reinforce their current China ‘threat’ narratives. The nuclear submarine announcement could prove to be more about geopolitical posturing than anything else.

videocam

Australia has chosen a side, tying its future security to deeper integration into the US contest with China. No doubt this is a suitable arrangement for the US, but it raises several questions for Australia – not least what does it lose if the strategy fails?

videocam
Related Topics
AustraliaBelt and Road InitiativeJapanWar and conflictDiplomacyEuropean UnionChina-EU relationsAukus allianceUkraine war: Opinion