Latest from International Politics

US to focus on foreign policy

As Presidents cannot seek more than two terms, the political focus will inevitably be beyond them. This overall domestic policy context means Obama, like other 2nd-term Presidents in the post-war era, is likely to turn his focus towards foreign policy.

Outrage at remarks on sole parent budget cut

Canberra anguished over N-ships

Cabinet documents released today reveal the diplomatic, political and military agonies Australia tried to balance because of New Zealand's non-nuclear policy.

High noon looms in US

On the edge

Markets in this region yesterday shrugged off the threat of economic disruption from the looming "fiscal cliff" in the United States.

Peter Huck: Doom and gloom marks end of Obama's big year

President Barack Obama's victory in November was the climax to an abrasive election season in which both sides raised about US$2 billion ($2.4 billion), a US record. Much was spent on negative TV advertising and get-out-the-vote strategies.

One-time backwater fosters greater sense of belonging

On Saturdays, Hobart's Salamanca Place hosts a market visited by thousands of locals and tourists.

Queen goes 3D for Xmas

The Queen looked past scandal that has at times this year shaken the royal family to send out a global thanks to those who helped celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

A year of defining events

Three weeks before the ceremony and the [Olympic Stadium] was packed with thousands of people all doing things impressively.

Movie-makers' consciences put on the racks

UK speeds pullout as war cost soars

South Korea elect first female President

Gulf narrows in US budget talks

Obama ploy could avert fiscal cliff

Economists and psychologists have long been engaged in understanding behaviour when compromise and self-interest collide, writes Ananish Chauduri.

Tim Groser: It's time to move past Kyoto agreement

Fiji counts cost, but not lives

Fijians has began cleaning up after the effects of Cyclone Evan, which left a swathe of destruction after battering the Pacific nation for more than 12 hours.

Diplomatic wives' tales

When plans to slash $25 million from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's budget emerged early last year, Joanna Woods' book Diplomatic Ladies suddenly became a lot more topical.

Rifts in US love affair with guns

Amid fears that the Newtown shootings will do nothing to shake the United States into tightening gun laws, there was a glimmer of hope.