The Bad Guys

Australia's partners are turning away from the values that underpin the partnership. What should Canberra do?

"When such leaders control great powers, they tend to magnify their country's great-power obsessions and tendencies. In such a world, all other nations, whether rivals or allies, must anticipate the fallout and be ready to adapt." MICHAEL WESLEY

The twenty-second issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the consequences for Australia as some of its most important friends and partners – including India, Indonesia and the United States – shift towards authoritarianism and illiberalism.

As Donald Trump seeks to return to the White House, The Bad Guys looks at how Australia should deal with ostensibly like-minded countries that are sliding away from democracy, and how to respond to the leaders overseeing this dangerous and unpredictable turn.

Michael Wesley examines the rise and tactics of the strongman leader.
Malcolm Turnbull considers the prospect of a second Trump presidency and how Australia should respond.
Jacqui Baker explores the character and career of Indonesia's incoming president, Prabowo Subianto.
Priya Chacko analyses the increasingly autocratic approach of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
Connor O'Brien argues that Australia should support an ambitious global tax on maritime emissions.
Carmen Lawrence criticises Labor's "timid subservience" on AUKUS.


PLUS Damien Cave on Australia–US relations, and correspondence on AFA21: United Front from Damien Kingsbury, Robert Law, Melissa Conley Tyler and more.