Daniel Flitton
@danielflitton.bsky.social
Managing ed The Interpreter, by Lowy Institute. Like Tigers.
With reports that buses are arriving right now at the Lumut naval base in Perak with 1,500 people to be sent back to Myanmar, Amy Chew with a view on why Anwar is turning on Malaysia's Rohingya refugees. Just published. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Why Anwar is turning on Malaysia’s Rohingyas
Anwar Ibrahim once championed those fleeing Myanmar’s junta. Now, with his government reeling, he is preparing to send them back.
www.lowyinstitute.org
September 29, 2026 at 3:05 AM
With reports that buses are arriving right now at the Lumut naval base in Perak with 1,500 people to be sent back to Myanmar, Amy Chew with a view on why Anwar is turning on Malaysia's Rohingya refugees. Just published. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Notable contrast with Australia's last UNSC campaign - then pitted against the Finns (and Luxembourg) while this time paring foreign ministers Elina Valtonen and Penny Wong for a joint op-ed spruiking the possibilities. www.politico.eu/article/midd...
Middle powers can’t be bystanders as the UN falters
Finland and Australia are seeking Security Council seats with a message: The rules-based order needs countries willing to fight for it.
www.politico.eu
September 28, 2026 at 1:55 AM
Notable contrast with Australia's last UNSC campaign - then pitted against the Finns (and Luxembourg) while this time paring foreign ministers Elina Valtonen and Penny Wong for a joint op-ed spruiking the possibilities. www.politico.eu/article/midd...
P4M. Never heard of it? Brazil, Kenya, Canada + the EU launched "Partners for Multilateralism" this week to support UN reform. Their promise? To turn shared principles into practical action. Which sounds a lot like the purpose of diplomacy. New from me:🔗
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
P4M: A new club for middle powers – and the same old habits
Leaders keep inventing new forums to fix multilateralism – when the institution they need already exists.
www.lowyinstitute.org
September 22, 2026 at 6:22 AM
P4M. Never heard of it? Brazil, Kenya, Canada + the EU launched "Partners for Multilateralism" this week to support UN reform. Their promise? To turn shared principles into practical action. Which sounds a lot like the purpose of diplomacy. New from me:🔗
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Fascinating read. I’d rather take the sausage insects though. www.theage.com.au/environment/...
The strange story of Norfolk Island’s super-sized sharks
Everyone on this South Pacific outpost seems to have their “you’re gonna need a bigger boat” moment. There is a good reason for that.
www.theage.com.au
September 20, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Fascinating read. I’d rather take the sausage insects though. www.theage.com.au/environment/...
Reposted by Daniel Flitton
My latest for @lowyinstitute.bsky.social on Iran serving as a catalyst for potential shifts in US strategy toward the Indian Ocean, as in 1979. Thanks to @danielflitton.bsky.social for the opportunity. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
1979 all over again? Iran and US Indian Ocean strategy transformed
The last time Iran shocked Washington, it built 50 years of US presence.
www.lowyinstitute.org
August 26, 2026 at 3:12 AM
My latest for @lowyinstitute.bsky.social on Iran serving as a catalyst for potential shifts in US strategy toward the Indian Ocean, as in 1979. Thanks to @danielflitton.bsky.social for the opportunity. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Good read on the sovereignty dispute next door. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06...
These volcanic islands are uninhabited, but two nations are fighting over them
Tensions are rising between Vanuatu and France as they negotiate a sovereignty dispute over two volcanic islands, believed to be inhabited by a god.
www.abc.net.au
June 24, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Good read on the sovereignty dispute next door. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06...
Quoted in the NYT on Albanese, One Nation and why Pauline Hanson is gaining - the hip pocket, resentment, and the political usefulness of having someone to blame. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/23/w...
In Uncertain Times, Is the Australian Leader’s Quiet Pragmatism Enough?
www.nytimes.com
June 23, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Quoted in the NYT on Albanese, One Nation and why Pauline Hanson is gaining - the hip pocket, resentment, and the political usefulness of having someone to blame. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/23/w...
Striking details on the geographic spread of those US embassies that have a person in the top job. Most in Europe - Africa least. But Asia-Pacific also neglected. Which might feed again the doubts about US interest in this part of the world. via @Reuters www.reuters.com/investigatio...
May 25, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Striking details on the geographic spread of those US embassies that have a person in the top job. Most in Europe - Africa least. But Asia-Pacific also neglected. Which might feed again the doubts about US interest in this part of the world. via @Reuters www.reuters.com/investigatio...
Just quietly, pretty happy with myself for this headline: Bollywood's bluster block in the Gulf. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Bollywood’s bluster block in the Gulf
Bans on hyper-nationalist Bollywood films carry a quiet warning: India’s remittance windfall from the region is not unconditional.
www.lowyinstitute.org
May 12, 2026 at 3:58 AM
Just quietly, pretty happy with myself for this headline: Bollywood's bluster block in the Gulf. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Why didn't Japan's Sanae Takaichi address parliament during her Canberra visit? Only 20 foreign leaders ever have - a short wrap from me. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Foreign leaders given Australia’s parliamentary privilege
A look at who has stood in the chamber – and why it matters less than it seems.
www.lowyinstitute.org
May 11, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Why didn't Japan's Sanae Takaichi address parliament during her Canberra visit? Only 20 foreign leaders ever have - a short wrap from me. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!" Each of Australia's foreign policy orthodoxies presumes an engaged America. Trump just named us in the list of countries he doesn't need. New from me for The Interpreter. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Trump says America needs no one’s help – Australia included
The US president’s latest war declaration puts Australia’s foreign policy orthodoxy to the test.
www.lowyinstitute.org
March 18, 2026 at 3:43 AM
WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!" Each of Australia's foreign policy orthodoxies presumes an engaged America. Trump just named us in the list of countries he doesn't need. New from me for The Interpreter. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Reposted by Daniel Flitton
Despite recent wins, I argue @lowyinstitute.bsky.social Labor's Southeast Asia strategy risks imbalance if #Australia's economic footprint can't keep pace with its security/defence partnerships. Thank you @danielflitton.bsky.social for the opportunity to share! www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
To succeed in Southeast Asia, Australia must balance security and trade
Australia ranks second in defence networks but ninth in economic capability – and the region has noticed.
www.lowyinstitute.org
February 18, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Despite recent wins, I argue @lowyinstitute.bsky.social Labor's Southeast Asia strategy risks imbalance if #Australia's economic footprint can't keep pace with its security/defence partnerships. Thank you @danielflitton.bsky.social for the opportunity to share! www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
I've contributed to a new book, The First Albanese Government: Governing in an Age of Disruption and Division, 2022-2025 - grateful to the editors for the chance to step back from the daily commentary cycle. newsouthbooks.com.au/books/the-fi...
February 5, 2026 at 12:04 AM
I've contributed to a new book, The First Albanese Government: Governing in an Age of Disruption and Division, 2022-2025 - grateful to the editors for the chance to step back from the daily commentary cycle. newsouthbooks.com.au/books/the-fi...
✍️ Random writing tip - if you can tweet it, you can make a short column of it. And then tweet that.
🔗 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
🔗 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
America in the age of the envoy
A new emphasis in diplomacy isn’t all downside.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:58 AM
✍️ Random writing tip - if you can tweet it, you can make a short column of it. And then tweet that.
🔗 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
🔗 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Penny Wong said on ABC radio this morning the 1995 AMS “has been regarded as the high watermark of our relations with Indonesia”. Don’t want to get too caught up in words, but remember this was a secret negotiation with an authoritarian government. It was fragile for this reason.
November 12, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Penny Wong said on ABC radio this morning the 1995 AMS “has been regarded as the high watermark of our relations with Indonesia”. Don’t want to get too caught up in words, but remember this was a secret negotiation with an authoritarian government. It was fragile for this reason.
Labor pledged to prioritise diplomats over politicians for ambassadorial jobs. Then appointed ex pollies to London - twice.
The UK High Comm role has never been held by a woman. Nor has Australia’s US ambassador.
Some traditions remain unbroken. From me.
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
The UK High Comm role has never been held by a woman. Nor has Australia’s US ambassador.
Some traditions remain unbroken. From me.
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
London calling, political patronage, and the diplomatic curtain
The Foreign minister’s pledge to prioritise diplomats over politicians hasn’t extended to breaking one posting tradition.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Labor pledged to prioritise diplomats over politicians for ambassadorial jobs. Then appointed ex pollies to London - twice.
The UK High Comm role has never been held by a woman. Nor has Australia’s US ambassador.
Some traditions remain unbroken. From me.
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
The UK High Comm role has never been held by a woman. Nor has Australia’s US ambassador.
Some traditions remain unbroken. From me.
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Big climate debates in Brazil. Will there be a result that matters? Or is this more talk?
What of Australia's hopes to host the great global jamboree next year, COP31?
I've drawn together a thread of recent Interpreter articles. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
What of Australia's hopes to host the great global jamboree next year, COP31?
I've drawn together a thread of recent Interpreter articles. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
COP30: A climate for change?
A collection of Interpreter articles related to global environmental negotiations.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Big climate debates in Brazil. Will there be a result that matters? Or is this more talk?
What of Australia's hopes to host the great global jamboree next year, COP31?
I've drawn together a thread of recent Interpreter articles. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
What of Australia's hopes to host the great global jamboree next year, COP31?
I've drawn together a thread of recent Interpreter articles. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Incredible work - revealing and some sad, too. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Photographer says heartbreaking image brought community together
Craig Parry is used to capturing beautiful photographs of the ocean at its best, but this heartbreaking image won him a prestigious Ocean Photographer of the Year award.
www.abc.net.au
November 5, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Incredible work - revealing and some sad, too. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
I aspire to write a headline as worthy. (Also, a really interesting read.) www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Can a sense of humor get Albania into the E.U.?
Once known as a Stalinist backwater, Albania is now a front-runner for E.U. accession and has a comedian running for mayor of its capital.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I aspire to write a headline as worthy. (Also, a really interesting read.) www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Strong warning from @senatorwong.bsky.social about the risk of a hollowed out United Nations, writing for @lowyinstitute.bsky.social Interpreter. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Confronting the danger of a “zombie” United Nations
Middle powers can act now to reform the UN – before financial crisis turns it into an empty shell.
www.lowyinstitute.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Strong warning from @senatorwong.bsky.social about the risk of a hollowed out United Nations, writing for @lowyinstitute.bsky.social Interpreter. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Add to this list the theft of Weeping Woman from NGV in Melbourne by "The Australian Cultural Terrorists" - culprits never found, although the painting was. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/u...
Other Brazen Art Heists Like the Louvre Jewelry Theft
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Add to this list the theft of Weeping Woman from NGV in Melbourne by "The Australian Cultural Terrorists" - culprits never found, although the painting was. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/u...
A friendly reminder that you can get a snazzy new Interpreter Weekly Digest from @LowyInstitute straight to your inbox. Just sign up at the bottom of the homepage.
📨 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
📨 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
October 15, 2025 at 10:03 PM
A friendly reminder that you can get a snazzy new Interpreter Weekly Digest from @LowyInstitute straight to your inbox. Just sign up at the bottom of the homepage.
📨 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
📨 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
The problem in defence isn't as much politics as a lack of transparency. And that won't be solved by another parliamentary committee holding secret hearings. A piece from me responding to plans to re-jig oversight for defence matters. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
AUKUS doesn’t need protection from politics
Democracy works best when defence debates are transparent.
www.lowyinstitute.org
October 14, 2025 at 12:48 AM
The problem in defence isn't as much politics as a lack of transparency. And that won't be solved by another parliamentary committee holding secret hearings. A piece from me responding to plans to re-jig oversight for defence matters. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Anthony Albanese gives his first UN speech on Friday week. Will he break from Australia's predictable diplomatic script?
My analysis of recent national statements suggests probably not.👉 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
My analysis of recent national statements suggests probably not.👉 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
A bingo card guide for Anthony Albanese’s speech to the United Nations
Australia’s recent national statements reveal the familiar script the PM will likely follow in his first address to the global body.
www.lowyinstitute.org
September 16, 2025 at 4:38 AM
Anthony Albanese gives his first UN speech on Friday week. Will he break from Australia's predictable diplomatic script?
My analysis of recent national statements suggests probably not.👉 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
My analysis of recent national statements suggests probably not.👉 www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Reposted by Daniel Flitton
Indonesia removes finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, official says reut.rs/4phHfYQ
Indonesia removes finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, official says
The Indonesian government removed finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati in a cabinet reshuffle on Monday, state secretariat minister Prasetyo Hadi said.
reut.rs
September 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Indonesia removes finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, official says reut.rs/4phHfYQ