Every now and again, the routines of political life are interrupted by events that change, or have the potential to change, the existing order. The meaning of those events and explanations of their consequences will shape the subsequent years. The themed papers in this issue...

As 2024 begins the world is beset with a series of crises. A refugee crisis continues to engulf advanced nations from Europe to the USA and to Australia as millions risk death and disaster to flee war and poverty. US competition with China edges closer...

Australian society continues to be characterised by increasing social and economic inequality post the COVID-19 pandemic. The great hopes of many arose at the onset of the pandemic. A national Australian approach saw the country work cooperatively with an approach of improving social welfare...