In recent months senior Australian politicians have talked openly about a potential military conflict with China over Taiwan. The increasingly tense rhetoric follows a series of incursions by China into Taiwanese air and naval space. Today, Hugh White, on the changing power dynamics in our region, and the risks of war between the US and China.

While in recent days, some of Russia’s troops have begun withdrawing from the Ukraine border, US officials are still warning that Russia is on the cusp of invading Ukraine. But Russia has repeatedly rejected that claim. Today, former head of DFAT Michael Costello, on the real origins of the dispute between Russia and Ukraine, and what the US and its allies are getting wrong.

Just one year after winning the election, US President Joe Biden is facing political obstruction from within his own Democratic party and plummeting approval ratings. After losing key election races last week, the Democrats could be annihilated at the midterms next year. Today, Bruce Wolpe on what Joe Biden can do to turn things around and what happens if he can’t.

The world’s two superpowers, China and the United States, have been steadily building up their military presence in the Taiwan Strait. President Xi Jinping has made it clear that he wants to bring Taiwan back under China’s control - a move the US seems likely to resist at all costs. Today, Hugh White on how Australia could be drawn into a war over Taiwan.

As voters in the US head to the polls, President Trump has warned that a close or uncertain result could spark chaos. Today, Rick Morton, on the fight against voter suppression, and why, no matter who wins, the US is facing a fractured future.