Is this the end of the “American Century”?

Is the United States’ time in the sun as the world’s superpower coming to an end? While American exceptionalism reigns supreme, the Capitol Hill riots revealed a truth.

Trumpism down-under

Australians followed the 2020 presidential race in the United States with greater-than-usual interest, but the spectacle might herald a plausible descent for Australia’s politics, too.

Counterpoint by Mark Nicol – Trump, and the fracturing of the West

Western culture is a product of myriad influences, forces and ideas, and though assailed by internal critics and foreign foes, it has stood the test of time,. Donald Trump has posed as its defender, but he has failed to appreciate, let alone meet, its latest, and perhaps greatest, challenge.

Politics means never having to say you’re sorry

We judge the competency of politicians by what they say and do, and this creates perverse incentives for even competent politicians to refuse to admit mistakes.

Arvanitakis on American politics: Three key developments this week

Another frenetic week in American politics has seen gaffes from Joe Biden, urban rioting and a twitter temper tantrum from President Trump, but the most significant development may be China’s power grab in Hong Kong.

Bridging the divide in American politics

Attempts to bridge the stark divisions in American politics will become more important than ever in the common fight against coronavirus. Here’s some practical, bipartisan ways in which this can be done.

Time for political performance reviews?

Let’s embrace the idea we should manage politicians like an executive manages their direct reports. Let’s acknowledge we have not only the power but the responsibility to give feedback, hire the best leaders and fire poor performers.

Cultural values and democracy

The relationship of cultural values and democracy is a ‘chicken and egg’ conundrum, does one rely on the other, or are they inter-dependent? New research on political trust may shed light on the answer.

Remembering Tim Fischer

Former Austrade chief economist Tim Harcourt reflects on the passing of the quirky and kind Tim Fischer.

Hatred is no substitute for strategy

Controversial political leaders such as US President Donald Trump stir up strong feelings in their opponents, but a calm and rational approach to political debate, rather than a surfeit of passion, is the best way to strengthen the democratic process.

Tinkering can achieve a lot. Politics isn’t broken

Today’s politicians are often criticised for failing to deliver the bold, sweeping reforms of their predecessors, but in reality much of the progress in our political and social systems comes through gradual and incremental change.

Penny Wong on courage and political change

The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership aims to recognise political leaders who’ve driven positive change and Labor senator Penny Wong hopes it will help politics reconnect with a disgruntled electorate.