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There was a spurious relief in the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February: no more need for pretending, or false diplomacy, even no need for talk about rights and wrongs.
It is back to the raw power days, Russian tanks in Budapest in 1956, then again in Prague in 1968. Attempts at political reform and opening to the West came to that.
The shooting outrage in New Zealand on Friday put a focus on anti-immigration, anti-Moslem ethno-nationalist movements in many Western countries – but it’s a question whether it will break their support.
Lee Duffield joins in the drive to find explanations for a surge of barbarism this century reaching even into the peaceful streets of Christchurch. … Read More »
People of the Pacific states got money out of this month’s summit of the APEC organisation – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation – but might have felt walked-over in the scrum for power.
Lee Duffield reports the Pacific is a new discovery of the 21-member inter-governmental free trade forum, set up on the initiative of Australia’s Hawke – Keating government in 1989. … Read More »
It came to France, scene of the epic battles of the Great War (1914-18), to host the celebration of its centenary on 11 November.
Lee Duffield says it also fell to the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to post a reminder about the ideal of civilisation which the savagery of that war had jeopardised. … Read More »
Lee Duffield interviewed the Foreign Minister at Port Vila in Vanuatu on 23 July 2018. He found a frank and open, and informing account of current issues in Vanuatu. … Read More »
In this second of three articles from Noumea, Lee Duffield (picture) learns about multi-cultural New Caledonia and the events that led to their referendum on independence now just four months away.
What is the shape of decolonisation in the present time, now long after the rush to independence that went on in countries around the world from 1960 to 1980? … Read More »
Exciting times at the World Cup in Canada, even if Sepp Blatter, “Mister Football” now under a huge dark cloud, might be missing from the stands on Final day.
Among the excitement, the Matildas, from Australia, have also got into the top billing. … Read More »