Foreign Affairs Farewell to New Zealand’s frigates? NZ can’t spare naval ships to help a US-led mission near Iran - but there’s a good chance we don’t need them at all. Aug 23 2019 Robert Ayson
Foreign Affairs Robert Ayson: The importance of a letter What is happening in Xinjiang is too much of a moral crisis to stick to the status quo of polite, behind-doors diplomacy. Robert Ayson examines the power of the letter. Aug 05 2019 Robert Ayson
Ideasroom A China chip on NZ’s shoulder? It will be a difficult balancing act, but Jacinda Ardern needs to arrest the downturn in NZ-China relations. Jan 17 2019 Robert Ayson
Comment Where next for the AU-NZ relationship? Jacinda Ardern may have to address some strong trans-Tasman words when she returns to work, but that doesn’t mean the friendship is dead, writes Robert Ayson. Aug 02 2018 Robert Ayson
Ideasroom Foreign policy NZ must handle with care The more US-China competition becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, the more NZ needs to encourage an environment less dominated by the big two, writes Robert Ayson. May 01 2018 Robert Ayson
Ideasroom Pacific reset for the Defence Force? The Government could still announce a Pacific reset for defence, but one that involves a more stringent look at the region’s demands of NZ, writes Robert Ayson. Apr 19 2018 Robert Ayson
Comment Groundhog Day for NZ’s Iraq deployment? As the Government contemplates whether to extend NZ’s stay in Iraq, it may feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Feb 23 2018 David Capie and Robert Ayson
Ideasroom Should NZ swallow a nuclear rat? Winston Peters is pushing sanctions and diplomacy at a summit, but Robert Ayson says nuclear deterrence may be the world’s best hope. Jan 17 2018 Robert Ayson
Politics A tightening of Defence Force purse strings? The last government had grand plans for our Defence Force - but they may be kicked down the road as cost pressures bite. Dec 13 2017 Robert Ayson
Ideasroom Big China, weaker America: NZ’s options The US’s role in Asia’s balance is coming undone under Donald Trump. So what does that mean for NZ? Nov 17 2017 Robert Ayson