By Christina Cushen Source: The Guardian Introduction Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in offshore and mainland detention centres has been long criticised by human rights advocates and the United Nations. The Australian Government continues to violate its international obligations by arbitrarily detaining people and breaching the non-refoulment policy by sending asylum seekers and refugees back to the country where they escaped. Through case studies in wh

By Deborah Bouchez Source: President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb described  foreign policy as resting on three essential pillars: values, interests, and power. In an increasingly fractured international environment, where authoritarian assertiveness is on the rise and alliances are being tested, many observers have turned to realism to explain state behaviour. Realist thinkers emphasise power and survival above all. But in such a world, can values and interest

By Mariami Modebadze Source: Politico Negotiations toward a free trade agreement (FTA)  between Australia and the European Union (EU) were officially authorised on June 18, 2018. The partnership between the two signified an intention to establish a comprehensive and ambitious trade agreement,  which aimed to remove barriers to doing business for companies operating between the EU and Australia. At the centre of the FTA was a shared commitment to sustainable development and e