Fundamental to the argument in this chapter is that Australia should aspire to the highest possible standards of democratic life. We not only have to be constantly vigilant about the erosion of democratic practices but also fully aware of the initiatives being taken in other countries to strengthen democracy and extend public accountability
At the heart of intergenerational equity is the principle that we hold the natural environment as a sacred trust that we have a duty to hand down to following generations in a state not less diminished than the one that we have enjoyed
Just three years ago WikiLeaks was virtually unknown and its founder, Julian Assange, was next to unrecognisable as a national, let alone global identity.A short time later almost no one could say that they knew nothing about the organisation. Assange’s picture appeared on the front cover of TIME magazine and he was described early in 2011 as the most ‘famous man in the world’
On any interpretation, international intervention to prevent mass atrocity crimes has thus far been a failure in Libya and Syria, and in South Sudan and CAR. Crimes against humanity and war crimes continue to be committed extensively in all four countries
The United Nations (UN) is perhaps our most important international, intergovernmental organisation. Yet, at the same time, it is one of the most troubled. In recent years it has become apparent that it is becoming ever more difficult for the world body to reach agreement on the crucial issues that face the future of the humanity