Daniel Flitton

Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo, Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya and UN Women’s Alison Davidian, writing together for @lowyinstitute.bsky.social's The Interpreter ahead of COP31: Pacific women are already the climate response. The finance needs to follow. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Iran's foreign minister saying "Iran is prepared to give diplomacy another chance if we see strong evidence of a sincere desire on the part of the US" - but also risk to "the wellbeing of all regional states" if further escalation. www.ft.com/content/61bf...

“There is still a public impression, and also the impression maybe with Trump, that Ukraine will lose the war if the U.S. can’t help anymore. But this is not true.” www.nytimes.com/2026/10/16/w...

One to watch - "This is the first authorised trip to Nikumaroro Island in seven years, and the first visit to the Taraia Peninsula in more than 15". www.bbc.com/news/article...

Great to see @albomp.bsky.social cite polls from @lowyinstitute.bsky.social - albeit a worrisome figure. www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...

"Tokyo is being asked, in effect, to decide whether preserving its privileged relationship with Washington requires sacrificing a leading Japanese citizen’s reputation and an institution Japan has spent nearly two decades financing, staffing and defending."

‘Like a drill going into my eye’: why the mystery over Havana syndrome refuses to die www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...

The Russia bit is noteworthy, but a longer tail in bigger picture: "EV sales have risen in more than 90 countries this year, including Brazil, Australia, India and South Korea. The IEA said the energy crisis had “clearly reinforced the case for EVs.” www.nytimes.com/2026/10/04/w...

With reports that buses are arriving right now at the Lumut naval base in Perak with 1,500 people to be sent back to Myanmar, Amy Chew with a view on why Anwar is turning on Malaysia's Rohingya refugees. Just published. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Notable contrast with Australia's last UNSC campaign - then pitted against the Finns (and Luxembourg) while this time paring foreign ministers Elina Valtonen and Penny Wong for a joint op-ed spruiking the possibilities. www.politico.eu/article/midd...

Fascinating read. I’d rather take the sausage insects though. www.theage.com.au/environment/...

My latest for @lowyinstitute.bsky.social on Iran serving as a catalyst for potential shifts in US strategy toward the Indian Ocean, as in 1979. Thanks to @danielflitton.bsky.social for the opportunity. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Good read on the sovereignty dispute next door. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06...

Striking details on the geographic spread of those US embassies that have a person in the top job. Most in Europe - Africa least. But Asia-Pacific also neglected. Which might feed again the doubts about US interest in this part of the world. via @Reuters www.reuters.com/investigatio...

Just quietly, pretty happy with myself for this headline: Bollywood's bluster block in the Gulf. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Why didn't Japan's Sanae Takaichi address parliament during her Canberra visit? Only 20 foreign leaders ever have - a short wrap from me. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!" Each of Australia's foreign policy orthodoxies presumes an engaged America. Trump just named us in the list of countries he doesn't need. New from me for The Interpreter. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Despite recent wins, I argue @lowyinstitute.bsky.social Labor's Southeast Asia strategy risks imbalance if #Australia's economic footprint can't keep pace with its security/defence partnerships. Thank you @danielflitton.bsky.social for the opportunity to share! www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

I've contributed to a new book, The First Albanese Government: Governing in an Age of Disruption and Division, 2022-2025 - grateful to the editors for the chance to step back from the daily commentary cycle. newsouthbooks.com.au/books/the-fi...

✍️ Random writing tip - if you can tweet it, you can make a short column of it. And then tweet that. 🔗 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Labor pledged to prioritise diplomats over politicians for ambassadorial jobs. Then appointed ex pollies to London - twice. The UK High Comm role has never been held by a woman. Nor has Australia’s US ambassador. Some traditions remain unbroken. From me. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Big climate debates in Brazil. Will there be a result that matters? Or is this more talk? What of Australia's hopes to host the great global jamboree next year, COP31? I've drawn together a thread of recent Interpreter articles. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Incredible work - revealing and some sad, too. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...

I aspire to write a headline as worthy. (Also, a really interesting read.) www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...

Strong warning from @senatorwong.bsky.social about the risk of a hollowed out United Nations, writing for @lowyinstitute.bsky.social Interpreter. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

A friendly reminder that you can get a snazzy new Interpreter Weekly Digest from @LowyInstitute straight to your inbox. Just sign up at the bottom of the homepage. 📨 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

The problem in defence isn't as much politics as a lack of transparency. And that won't be solved by another parliamentary committee holding secret hearings. A piece from me responding to plans to re-jig oversight for defence matters. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Anthony Albanese gives his first UN speech on Friday week. Will he break from Australia's predictable diplomatic script? My analysis of recent national statements suggests probably not.👉 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

Indonesia removes finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, official says reut.rs/4phHfYQ

We've given the Interpreter Weekly Email Digest a make-over, and it looks schmick. If you're not signed up, you should - 🔗https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter

Daniel Andrews shaking hands with Xi Jinping at China's military parade might be more about thumbing his nose at political enemies back home than grand strategy. My latest for @LowyInstitute on former politicians playing "private statesman". www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

It’s not all about Trump and tariffs. India and China had taken steps toward rapprochement from at least October last year when Modi met Xi. And despite the evident fractures in US-India ties now, there is still cooperation.

We were taken into the mountains of Shennongjia in central #China to meet the golden snubbed nosed monkeys which have - for the moment - been saved from extinction... CLICK ON LINK TOO SEE. www.bbc.com/news/article...