Economic sanctions often fail to change the policies of authoritarian regimes. Sanctions can reduce food consumption and quality of life—while elites often remain insulated—and sanctions can foster nationalist solidarity.

Following Syria's 2011 uprising, Bashar al-Assad, the country’s dictator, allied with Iran, strengthening ties to Shia Muslim-majority regions. With Syria’s collapse, this alliance weakens, leaving Iran facing destabilisation and growing Chinese influence.

Part of the Integrated Investment Program, eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels will be built from 2026 in WA to support littoral manoeuvre, long-range strike, troop deployment, logistics, and disaster relief. Self-defence weapons and military communications included.

A costly stealth warship is being made much more effective by being fitted with a shipborne highly manoeuvrable hypersonic missile system (Mach 5 speeds) that enhances long-range strike capabilities.

The ‘Pacific Way” includes intra-regional support, most often in the form of disaster relief, strengthening regional independence and solidarity. Fiji frequently receives intra-regional disaster aid and Papua New Guinea provides the most bilateral aid.

The Royal New Zealand Navy is acquiring two vessels of the same class as Australia’s 12 Bluebottle’s. They can be launched from a standard boat ramp by an SUV and fit into a 40ft shipping container.

The five-year project will focus on detection, monitoring, targeting, and counter-measure technologies. The collaboration aims to benefit from shared expertise and facilities, contributing to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

This U.S. article argues prioritising AI safety, research investment, and regulatory harmony is essential. Private firms dominate, while universities lack resources, and U.S. supply chains remain Taiwanese reliant. Additionally, AI's increasing energy demand requires urgent resolution.

Australia strengthens Pacific security through preventive diplomacy—blocking Chinese influence while using targeted financial agreements to avoid costlier future defence measures. The agreement complements broader Pacific regional efforts and the author argues is good value.

Aligning with Belt and Road Initiative goals, the smaller, targeted, Pacific investments strengthen local ties and influence and foster public goodwill. Scholarships and training offered to Pacific officials could improve perceptions of China.