Rear Vision — How History Shaped Today

In 1998 The Good Friday Agreement was signed in Britain and Ireland, bringing an end to 30 years of violence, murder and religious conflict.How did this come about? and are there lessons we can learn?

The last two months has seen a shift in international politics as Israeli westerns allies move to recognise a Palestinian state. Could this be a historical tipping point in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, like the moment that led to the end of Apartheid in South Africa in the 1990’s. Rear Vision explores the similarities and difference between the Anti-Apartheid movement and the growing international pressure being placed on Israel.Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.

Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.

Since the end of WW2, the security alliance between Australia and the United States ANZUS has been the cornerstone of our foreign policy and security. And the AUKUS agreement announced in 2021 by Prime Minister Morrison only deepens that alliance. But just how well has the alliance served Australia and will the AUKUS deal enhance our security or lead us into a war with China we don’t want? And if AUKUS does pan out, do we have a plan B or is our plan B to make sure plan A works?

It was after the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington – that the drone became America’s weapon of choice in war on terror. Unpiloted planes, capable of finding and destroying target on the other side of the world, known as – Reaper or Predator Drones.But it’s over the past 25 years the use of drones - both civilian and military - has really taken off globally. Nowhere more so than in the war between Ukraine and Russia where they have literally reshaped the battlefield. The history of the drone.

Since the end of World War II, America has dominated the Pacific, but China’s expanding economy and growing military might is  challenging that dominance

What can Australia do to maintain its mineral wealth in a decarbonising world? Rear Vision drills down into our coal and iron-ore industries. And asks, can Green Iron save us?

The Israeli settlements in the occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem are are illegal under international law. They are a key stumbling block to the creation of a viable Palestinian state. Yet for 50 years they have increased in number and size. Today, the story of the Israeli settler movement and its impact on Israeli politics.

Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990's, Vladimir Putin has emerged as a powerful player in world events. How has this happened?

The Baltic States, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – once part of the Soviet Union - are now all members of NATO. But Latvia and Estonia both have large Russian speaking minorities. Analysts worry that Russia could use these minorities as an excuse to impinge on their sovereignty. Could the Baltic States become the new Ukraine and if so, would the rest of NATO invoke article 5 and go to war with Russia?