Penny Wong’s diplomatic skills will be put to the test in her second term as China continues to bully its neighbours and AUKUS hangs in the balance.The Economist speaks to Australia’s foreign minister https://t.co/CSIH7x7vFr ...

US legislators are ratcheting up pressure on South Africa over the nation’s foreign-policy stance https://t.co/Vyr6uBk9uF ...

From Southeast Asian oil to uranium in Sub-Saharan Africa, Turkey is on a global hunt, leveraging its growing foreign policy clout for an edge in the competition for resources https://t.co/MzNtqfKs59 ...

Trade and Geopolitical Landscape - The Australian government views U S tariffs as self-defeating and economically harmful [2][3] - Australia aims to maintain strong relationships with all key partners, avoiding a zero-sum approach [9][10] - Australia needs to pragmatically separate politics from economics in its trade relationships, which is increasingly difficult due to the weaponization of trade and investment [14] Defense Spending - There is discussion around increasing Australia's defense budget, with a previous goal of 2% of GDP [5] - The broader geopolitical environment necessitates a national conversation in Australia about the need for increased defense spending, considering public preferences for spending on health, education, and social services [6][7] - President Trump has been talking about a desire to see Australia increases defense budget to 35% [4] Australia-China Relations - Prime Minister Albanese's six-day visit to China was viewed positively, signaling resilience in the relationship with Australia's most important trading partner [1][8][9] - Australia must avoid complacency and recognize that the relationship with China is more complex than in previous decades [13] Domestic Policy - The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is not up for reform and will be defended by both sides of Australian politics [3][4]

Indian foreign policy places great weight on the notion that America and China are locked in a contest that could last decades. Now its elites are unsure whether that rivalry remains Donald Trump’s top priority https://t.co/NBimLS2LiU ...

Geopolitical Landscape - Foreign-policy experts are discussing an era of unprecedented disorder, yet markets are largely unaffected [1]

Layoffs and Reorganization - The State Department experienced a significant reduction in force, with over 1300 civil and foreign service officers being terminated [1][6] - This reduction represents a 15% cut in domestic staff, accompanied by the dissolution or merging of over 300 bureaus and offices [1] - Reductions in force (RIFs) were implemented based on office assignments rather than individual performance, leading to widespread uncertainty and anxiety among State Department employees [8][9] Impact on Policy and Operations - The State Department's ability to formulate and implement foreign policy is hindered as employees feel unsupported and are hesitant to propose new ideas [10] - The administration's apparent lack of interest in the State Department's expertise and its perceived distrust of its employees further marginalize the agency's role [11][12][13] - The State Department is viewed by some as a resistance to the administration's policies, leading to internal divisions and the promotion of less experienced individuals aligned with the administration's agenda [14][15][16] Rise of the Ben Franklin Fellowship - The Ben Franklin Fellowship aims to reshape the State Department with more conservative, "America First" individuals, similar to the Federalist Society's influence on the judiciary [16] - This fellowship promotes individuals who are anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion, and skeptical of aid to Ukraine, often at the expense of more experienced diplomats [17] - Individuals associated with the Ben Franklin Fellowship are being rapidly promoted, sometimes to positions requiring decades of experience, despite lacking qualifications [18][19]

Public Service Value - Public service programs bring thousands of visitors to the United States, boosting local economies through their spending [1] - These programs facilitate skills sharing and the adoption of American best practices in foreign countries [1] - Exchange programs foster positive perceptions of the United States among foreign students, enhancing the country's image abroad [2] Impact of Program Cuts - Cutting public service programs is detrimental to foreign policy and national interests [2]

Geopolitical Strategy & International Relations - The discussion highlights the need for a clear strategy to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, emphasizing that current foreign policy appears transactional without a consistent strategic vision [1] - Congress is considering the Graham Blumenthal bill, which has significant bipartisan support (over 80 senators) and aims to impose secondary sanctions on countries trading fuel and energy with Russia, potentially impacting Russia's economy [3][4] - The effectiveness of current sanctions and weapons supply in deterring Putin is questioned, as intensified strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine are observed [4][5] - The analysis suggests that Putin may not believe the current administration will be tough on Russia, but the passage of the Graham Blumenthal bill and a substantial aid package to Ukraine could change his perception [6] - The potential for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is discussed, but it's viewed as a short-term solution rather than a long-term strategy for resolving broader issues [13] US Foreign Policy & Influence - Criticism is leveled at both the Biden and Trump administrations regarding the flow of weapons to Ukraine, particularly concerning disruptions to the supply of critical assets like patriots [2] - The impact of Trump's potential statements on the situation is considered, with the suggestion that his support for the Graham Blumenthal bill and increased aid to Ukraine could deter Putin [8] - Concerns are raised about the signal the US is sending to Putin, particularly in light of past actions and agreements [5] - The discussion touches on the possibility of a settlement in Ukraine on Ukraine's terms, emphasizing the importance of not giving up and the potential implications for NATO [9][10] Nuclear Proliferation & Regional Conflicts - The analysis suggests that Iran is unlikely to give up its nuclear ambitions, especially after observing the situation in Ukraine, which relinquished its nuclear weapons in 1994 [15] - The possibility of further Israeli strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities is raised, although it's considered less likely in the immediate future [16]

We begin with the mass layoffs underway as we speak at the State Department. I want to bring in NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent Andrea Mitchell. I understand Andrea, those termination notices began hitting in boxes this morning.What do we know about it. Well, uh, frankly, I've been covering the State Department officially since 1994, unofficially before that, as I covered different administrations from the White House and from the Hill. And I have to tell you, this is devastating.uh in a statem ...