Former Australian Diplomat
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As Australia retreats from Afghanistan, it is time to be generous to those who helped us, writes former diplomat John McCarthy. What we do now to aid friends in need could shape our international standing for many years to come.
The weekend’s G7 summit produced grounds for modest celebration – the United States and its allies were again singing the same tune. But as former diplomat John McCarthy writes the world’s rich democracies, including Australia, have much work to do to restore the value of the liberal political brand.
India is facing a humanitarian crisis from COVID-19. John McCarthy, a former high commissioner to New Delhi, says Australia must do its share to help with vitally needed supplies and allow Australians there to come home – even if it stretches our own resources.
US President Joe Biden has confirmed a shift in US foreign policy priorities by hosting the first physical head of government meeting since he came to office with Japan’s Yoshihide Suga. But John McCarthy argues there are lessons for Australia in how Japan balances its relations with Washington and Beijing.
Last week’s Quad leaders’ summit saw the United States put soft power back at the centre of regional diplomacy. Former ambassador John McCarthy argues Australia needs to take note.