David M. Andrews

Another pair of articles on this topic which I highly recommend, in this case both from the @lowyinstitute.bsky.social

www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre... @connorpobrien.bsky.social @quahsayjye.bsky.social

I'm sort of arguing with myself here, as I'm very pro middle powers stepping up & very worried about the direction of the US & what it means for Australia, so I want the idea to work, but history & practicality isn't really on his side. I'm sympathetic but wanted something meatier as to what's next.

I don't ultimately disagree & I tried to acknowledge those positive dimensions in the full piece but I think we need to be wary about painting a picture of middle power coalitions drastically changing the global balance of power - which I'd say he does set out as one of several policy proposals.

On this topic, and for similar concerns articulated at greater length and in more comprehensive and compelling terms, I would also strongly recommend @limdarrenj.bsky.social most recent episode of "Australia in the World", especially pt.2 from 9.00-16.30.

www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-wr...

Defence secretary, former Turnbull aide to become next Australian ambassador to US Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Greg Moriarty as an “outstanding Australian public servant” in announcing he would take the prestigious posting.

Greg Moriarty is a very sensible appointment as Australia's next Ambassador to the US. Indeed, of the options touted, the clear standout. Long-term Sec. of Defence Dept, fmr. Ambassador, and best placed to build on existing ties to senior USG officials.

www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...

I can tell you who's not: Canadians on Threads! 😅

Yeah, that resonates with me, too. I don't hate it, to be clear, it just fell a bit flat in the second half 😅 Maybe it's also testament to the fact that we've had to dance this dance for a while now in Asia, when Canada and the Europeans have a different dynamic to manage, so I'm hungry for more?

For more perspectives on Mark Carney's rupture of the international order speech, I recommend:

@seva.bsky.social
hegemon.substack.com/p/the-strong...

@georgeeaton.bsky.social @newstatesman1913.bsky.social
morningcall.substack.com/p/morning-ca...

@economist.com
www.economist.com/briefing/202...

Carney bells the cat? On Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered what has been described by many prominent analysts and commentators as one of the most consequential g…

I've expanded on my reasons why in my blog, but in short, there's a major disconnect between between the diagnosis of the problem and the proposed solutions which are...what middle powers are already doing?

Have a read and let me know what you think!

davidmandrews.com/2026/01/22/c...

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday has been described by many prominent analysts and commentators as one of the most consequential geopolitical speeches in recent decades, but I confess that it left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.

That would have been a pretty courageous "all in on red" move, to be sure. I will comfort myself with the knowledge (comforting lie?) that AUKUS is but one of many institutions I wax lyrical on...albeit one with the most media interest 😂

Phase 1 of the books have arrived, and interim desk is set up. Starting to feel more settled into Jakarta. 🇦🇺🇮🇩

Articles Of Interest | Substack A show about what we wear. Click to read Articles Of Interest, a Substack publication with tens of thousands of subscribers.

All episodes and other posts can be found here or on your favourite platforms:

articlesofinterest.substack.com

"American Ivy" might still be my favourite, but this is the series that most corresponds with my personal knowledge and expertise and has guests from the US military, defence industry, veterans' community, outdoor clothing companies, and an array of journalists including @shashj.bsky.social

It ranges across military and socio-cultural history from the 1800s to the Second World War, Vietnam and the GWOT; logistics and defence science & tech; geopolitics & deterrence; veterans' affairs, mental health, and homelessness; and, of course, fashion.

I say it every season, but Avery @trufelman.bsky.social's Articles of Interest is an exemplary podcast and I cannot recommend it enough.

This season was "Gear": all about the interplay between the military, fashion, and the outdoor industry.

A lovely penultimate afternoon in Sydney at Greenwich Baths, but even more importantly given my birding proclivities, we were graced by an osprey gliding over the harbour bays - my first ever sighting in the wild 🤩

Teach them young, the ways of Age of Empires 2.

"Mandaten...Fisk...Gaderer."

Happy Christmas, all! ✝️

Trump Battleship Will be Largest Surface Combatant Since WWII - USNI News The centerpiece of the Trump administration’s revamp of the U.S. Navy is the largest surface combatant America will build since World War II. The U.S. Navy will buy two new “battleships” as part of th...

Does anyone think these are *actually* going to get built?

news.usni.org/2025/12/22/t...

After Bondi, we crave certainty – but quick fixes are dangerous We won’t make Australia safer with rapidly conceived solutions for the massacre. They could make us less safe.

Clearly there is an expectation, and broad social license, to take steps urgently, but a longer and more comprehensive review would allow for a better assessment of downstream consequences from any reforms.

www.smh.com.au/national/aft...

To that end, I can see benefit in both the Richardson Review that is due by April 2026, as well as pursuing a (suitably targeted) Royal Commission over a longer period of time to address the full range of challenges brought up by the attack of 14 December.

"There is also a temptation, after attacks such as Bondi, to promise absolute security. That temptation should be resisted. No open society can guarantee perfect safety without eroding the freedoms that terrorism seeks to undermine."

"...It also underscores the social cost of operating permanently at heightened thresholds."

"The danger after Bondi isn’t only that we ask the wrong questions but that we answer them too quickly."

Sage advice from @johncoyne14.bsky.social @aspi-org.bsky.social in the SMH:

"trad[ing] precision for speed...raises uncomfortable questions about why rapid regulatory changes are now being pushed through with limited analysis when existing laws appear adequate but imperfectly applied..."

Bipartisanship, social cohesion, and the aftermath of the Bondi terror attacks I have no expectation that these words will ultimately change anything, but I feel compelled to express my deep disquiet and worry about the way in which the political-media narratives are developi…

I have no expectation that these words will ultimately change anything, but I feel compelled to express my deep disquiet and worry about the way in which the political-media narratives are developing following the Bondi antisemitic terror attack.

davidmandrews.com/2025/12/19/b...

John Howard calls push to tighten gun laws an 'attempted diversion' Former prime minister John Howard, whose gun reforms fundamentally reshaped Australia, says he would support further tightening, but it cannot be made into a distraction or an "excuse" not to tackle antisemitism. 

I'm interested to understand the mechanism here: which specific antisemitism-focused policies does Howard think would have prevented the Bondi attack?

The final stage of packing up the house ahead of the move to Indonesia: getting my Warhammer minis ready to travel. Stay strong, brothers - for the Lion! 🫣🤞

Now, as always, I condemn the senseless ancient hatred of antisemitism & stand in solidarity with the Jewish people. We must never forget & never cease our efforts to ensure the safety & security of all Australians; especially our most vulnerable communities.

Lord, have mercy.

I'm so deeply sorry that such a hideous act has been perpetrated against Australia's Jewish community. Indeed, against Sydney and Australia as a whole.

I am praying for the recovery of all victims, the ongoing safety of Jewish Australians, and that justice is done.