China’s rapid expansion of museums and galleries reflects a coordinated strategy to shape national identity, manage historical narratives and project cultural influence at home and abroad.
Category: Politics
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History’s biggest census: why India’s new population count is controversial
India’s long-delayed census is set to reshape policy, representation and public debate. The inclusion of caste data makes it a deeply political exercise.
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Takaichi revisits Japan’s prostitution debate
Japan’s prostitution laws are under review, exposing a system that penalises women while leaving demand largely untouched. The direction of reform will shape whether policy shifts toward rights or reinforces moral control. (more…)
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The game goes on: football in a time of war
As conflict escalates, FIFA insists the 2026 World Cup will proceed unchanged. The decision reflects a broader pattern – institutions continuing regardless of reality, even in the presence of war. (more…)
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Why we avoid thinking about nuclear war – and why we shouldn’t
Public denial and avoidance have dulled awareness of the nuclear threat. Annie Jacobsen’s book, Nuclear War: A Scenario confronts that reality directly, challenging readers to face what has long been ignored. (more…)
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How Norman Lindsay wrote the The Magic Pudding to critique ‘Australian values’ – inspired by Nietzsche
Often read as a celebration of national character, The Magic Pudding is better understood as a critique of Australian culture, exposing its shallowness and complacency.
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Easter’s message in a time of war
As global conflicts intensify, Easter offers a counterpoint – a call to reject violence and embrace light, mercy and transformation. (more…)
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National Press Club under fire for ‘disgraceful’ invitation to Israeli envoy
The National Press Club is under fire for hosting Israel’s ambassador after cancelling other speakers and remaining largely silent on the killing of journalists in Gaza. (more…)
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UN Human Rights chief urges repeal of Israeli execution law
A new Israeli law mandating the execution of Palestinians convicted of certain offences has drawn condemnation from the UN and human rights groups.
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Why China is always misunderstood and misrepresented
By insisting on the superiority of its own standards of judgment and experience, western dominance distorts the realities of other societies. (more…)
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Does AI mean more uni students are plagiarising their work?
Long-term research suggests student plagiarism has declined over two decades, despite concerns about AI. But more than half of students still engage in it at some point.
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Allies are learning the cost of relying on the US
US alliances are exposing partner nations to conflict without giving them control over decisions. From the Gulf to Australia, the risks of strategic dependence are becoming clearer. (more…)
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School funding is undermining equality and cohesion
Australia’s school funding model is widening inequality and weakening public education. Without reform, it risks undermining social cohesion, productivity and democratic stability. (more…)
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Productivity, inequality and the rise of populism
The rise in populism in numerous advanced economies has been driven by cost-of-living pressures. To protect our democracy, we will need faster productivity growth and all wages to rise with productivity. (more…)
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What Good Friday and the Book of Job reveal about a world in crisis
Modern society assumes suffering can be solved through policy, technology and progress. But this belief leaves us unprepared for the reality that tragedy is an enduring part of human life. (more…)
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Australia’s under-16 social media ban is facing early limits
Australia’s under-16 social media ban has removed millions of accounts, but compliance gaps, loopholes and unanswered questions remain. (more…)
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Building beyond ‘No Kings’
Millions have taken to the streets in opposition to Trump. But without clearer demands, broader unity and more sustained action, the movement risks falling short of real change. (more…)
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Support first, questions later: Australia and the Iran war
Australia was quick to back US action in Iran. But as questions mount over strategy and legality, the risks – and consequences for allies – are coming into sharper focus. (more…)
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A ‘small’ nuclear war would still be global catastrophe
There is no such thing as a “small” nuclear war. Even limited use would trigger mass death, famine and global collapse. (more…)
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The fuel crisis won’t save the Coalition. It might finish them
Cost-of-living pressure will not automatically shift votes to the Coalition, as culturally aligned voters begin drifting toward alternatives that project conviction and stability. (more…)
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Catholics lag behind as the first woman appointed to lead the Anglican church
The installation of a female Archbishop of Canterbury highlights the Catholic Church’s continued hesitation on women’s leadership and the need to listen more closely to women’s voices.
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The three phases of Trump’s quagmire in Iran
Trump’s defenders argue that his contradictory actions are strategic. It’s more likely that panic has him flailing. His gut instinct led him to make a colossal mistake, and he has no idea what to do next. (more…)
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Fuel crisis exposes decades of policy failure
Australia’s fuel crisis may have been triggered by global conflict – but it reflects decades of political failure to reduce oil dependence and plan for transition.
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We dug up medics in Gaza. A year later, international law remains buried
Israeli attacks on healthcare workers and infrastructure in Gaza reflect a broader erosion of legal and moral constraints, with consequences extending beyond the conflict.
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The legal logic behind Israel and Iran’s nuclear divide
The difference between Israel and Iran on nuclear weapons is not a legal contradiction – but a result of how international law is structured around state consent.
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Climate misinformation inquiry stops short on reform
Australia’s first inquiry into climate misinformation finds a systemic problem distorting public debate – but its strongest solutions sit outside the main report.
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Trump’s war without purpose is everyone’s problem
The US-led war on Iran lacks clear objectives or strategy, accelerating the erosion of American credibility while exposing failures in political and media judgement.
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Millions rally across US in ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump
Millions of Americans joined coordinated ‘No Kings’ protests across the country on Saturday, in a large nationwide demonstration against President Donald Trump.
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Mickey J: an Australian always, quietly, making a big difference
At a time of diminished political leadership, the legacy of Fred Hollows and Michael Johnson shows what practical, principled internationalism can achieve.
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