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John West

Engineers vs lawyers: the US-China divide that will shape this century

In Breakneck, Dan Wang contrasts China’s “engineering state” with America’s “lawyerly society,” showing how these mindsets drive innovation, dysfunction, and reshape global power amid rising rivalry. 

Welcome to the grey war

Forget speculation about a future US-China conflict - it's already happening. Through cyberwarfare and propaganda, China is waging a grey war designed to weaken democracies without firing a single shot.

The US is no longer a model for democracy

America prides itself on being a Government of the people. But the nation that invented modern democracy is no longer the model for it, and compares unfavourably to other regions where democracy is taking hold.

Why China and Russia's partnership threatens the West

China's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine has deepened their strategic partnership, challenging the West and reshaping global power dynamics, despite their complex historical relationship and differing long-term interests.

How powerful are Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party?

Neither Xi Jinping nor the Chinese Communist Party are as all-powerful and domineering as they  seem. Given China's crucial role in Australia's fortunes despite slowing growth, understanding its politics is critical.

Book review of 'Putin’s People' and his motivation for war

Author Catherine Belton argues Putin’s sole ambition is to hold onto power. Her book seeks to understand why Putin invaded Ukraine after he became isolated and out of touch with reality during the pandemic.

Latest Updates

Economy

Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire

The post-World War Two economic system is unravelling, leading to huge shifts in currency, bond and commodity markets, yet stocks seem oblivious to the chaos. This looks to history as a guide for what’s next.

Australia’s generous housing subsidies face mounting political risk

Mark Carney has spoken of a rupture in the rules based system that has governed the world since 1945. That rupture means nations like Australia will need to boost defence spending and find savings elsewhere.

Shares

Finding yield on the ASX

With ASX dividend yields now below government bond yields, investors face an upside-down market where income is scarce, growth is muted, and careful selection of bond-like stocks has never mattered more.

Investment strategies

Digging for value among ASX miners

ASX miners are back in favour after playing second fiddle to banks for years. Is it too late to get in? Here are some thoughts on the large caps such as BHP and Rio, and the hot gold mining sector.

Gold

It’s economic reality, not fear-based momentum, driving gold higher

Most commentary on gold's recent record highs focus on it being the product of fear or speculative momentum. That's ignoring the deeper structural drivers at play. 

Investment strategies

Asia in 2026: Riding AI, reform and a shifting global order

Tariff turmoil tested Asia, but AI leadership, policy easing and reform momentum are restoring investor confidence and strengthening the region’s outlook for 2026. 

Investment strategies

Investors beware: Bull markets don’t last forever

New research explains why high valuations, low dividends and bullish sentiment rarely coexist with strong long-term returns after extended bull markets. 

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