What dropping the Iran deal would mean, how Americans feel about 'America First', Australian engagement in North Korea and more.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Interpreter World Politics Trivia Challenge is on again.

US should be reminded that leaving UNESCO is counter to Australian values.

In Russia's view, real responsibility for the crisis lies with the US.

Questions regarding the actual depth of India-Japan defence relations have resurfaced.

A US withdrawal will lead to deterioration of trust in US commitments.

Nauru's growth outlook, French resettlement numbers, irregular Bangladeshi migration and more.

Populism may have an element of hatred but simply hating the haters will not work.

The Belt and Road Initiative represents the kind of complex issues that will increasingly define the Australia-China relationship.

This week's links also include an investigation into the deportation off Chinese nationals from Fiji.

Australia's One-China Policy requires a familiarity with China's modern and classical history.

Hard questions must be asked about the future of the Royal Navy and the totality of Britain’s force structure.

Trump appears determined to prove the Iranian Supreme Leader was right when he said the US couldn’t be trusted.

Librarians should pause before pulping dusty Chinese journals tucked away in compactors. They may be the only ones left.

As more small island developing states reach the high-income threshold, the OECD needs to review its measure of ODA eligibility.

The crisis Andrew Leigh detects in Australia is not societal, it is almost purely political.

The North Koreans may very well say no. But there's little harm in trying.

The digital era can either rob or reward foreign correspondents – and their audiences.

The Palestinian economy lacks the foundational assets required for effective and sustainable growth, even with substantial aid disbursements.

In a choice between US isolationism and exceptionalism, it’s the latter that Americans hold dear.

Countries that supported the regime will have the inside running for reconstruction contracts.

Is Australia's media interrogating or demonising China, the risks of anti-migrant sentiment, the weirdest North Korean crisis yet and more.

The decision to acquire the French Shortfin Barracuda is extravagantly expensive and very high-risk.

There are many factors that can comprise the national interest. Fuel security should be at the top of the list.

The claims made by Drysdale and Denton have no merit.

US threats are not seen as credible and are unlikely to work on Pakistan in the future.

Muslims are certainly a target for Senator Hanson, but I’ve little doubt their integration into Australian society is proceeding in much the same way as past waves of migration.

Labor is going back to the future with a distinctly economic determinist approach to future engagement with Asia.

This week's links also include a tracking matrix for patterns of displacement and a lecture on how migration has shaped New Zealand.

Australia won’t be a leader when it comes to the volume of aid any time soon. But it can lead by example in other ways.

The evacuation of Vanuatu's Ambae Island, a winner declared in South Highlands province, Cook Islands a developing nation for now and more.

While forecaster moods have been volatile, global growth overall has been pretty consistent – and pretty good.

Australia will work with international partners and the private sector to shut down cybercrime safe havens and improve our neighbours' cyber resilience.

It is said ballistic missile defence cannot cover the vast Australian landmass. But technology has advanced rapidly.

Monetary policy appears to have lost its guiding compass; unemployment has fallen but inflation and wage pressures have not increased.

Unfortunately, the South cannot escape the North’s shadow. When the North falls apart, the world will look to South Korea to clean up the mess.

Our complicated relationship with China and the implications of President Trump for Australia have eclipsed thoughtful reflection on the Australia-Japan relationship.

Despite the joys of connectivity, nothing substitutes for simply being there; for having the time and money to go into the field.

The case for openness is compelling, but also more nuanced than many proponents tend to make it.

There is a sense that the Syrian war is effectively over bar the fighting.

There now seems little likelihood that the process will meet its ambitious goals.

Angela Merkel's return to power, Shinzo Abe's snap election, buffer states in Asia and more.

Next Monday is a public holiday in Australia, so posting will be light.

China closing North Korean businesses should not be seen as a shift in approach.

Australia must send a clear message of accountability to deter these crimes.

What a relief to have a politician talking serious economics.

Cox's Bazar will be a testing ground for the 'preventing violent extremism' concept.

What Trump's border wall won't accomplish, Qatar's migrant construction workers, the US-Australia refugee swap and more.

Ambitious reform plans go to the core of the regime's power. Little wonder the pace is slowing.

The release of 'First they Killed my Father' is well timed to advance fears of a return of the past.