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Monthly Access is the online magazine of ACCESS, the AIIA's network for students and young professionals.

All the views expressed in this newsletter are solely those of the individual writers. The AIIA, while providing a forum for discussion and debate on international issues, does not formulate its own institutional views, and eschews political bias.

The topic for the June issue is Australia in the Asian Century. We welcome submissions of between 400 to 600 words on these topics, or any other issues in international affairs. The deadline for submission for the June Issue is 30th May 2012.

To submit an article to MA and for all general enquiries email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Message from the Editor

In recent weeks, political discourse in Australia has been dominated by how we should more effectively engage with Asia, and whilst this conversation has been had Europe appears to be lurching closer and closer to political and economic demise. Arguably, our isolation and location means that Australia is largely shielded from the impacts of this instability, although it is apparent that the ongoing tension in the region will impact upon our economic and geopolitical stability. It’s against this backdrop we examine Europe’s Future as the World Moves East.

Global Snapshot May 2012

By Rachel Hankey

The May issue of Global Snapshot, which brings current international issues and news from around the world.This month sees renewed tension over natural resouces between Sudan and South Sudan, the sentencing of 'the Merchant of Death' in the US, failed missile tests by North Korea, further intrigue surrounding ejected Chinese Communist Party Chief Bo Xilai, as well as electoral developments in France, Egypt and Afghanistan.

Q&A with HE Ann Harrap, Australian High Commissioner for South Africa

Interviewed by Amal Varghese

Ms Harrap is the Australian High Commissioner to South Africa, based in Pretoria. An experienced diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, she is also accredited to Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland. This month she spoke with MA about Australia's aid contributions to Africa, the role of the USA and China in the region, as well as Australia and South Africa's roles as regional middle powers.

Extremist Parties in Europe

By Rachel Hankey

Whilst the world is increasingly looking to the East, to the rising economic powers of Asia. Europe has been facing an increasing challenging economic crisis, which has sparked fears about the future of the European Union. At the same time, Eurosceptic and anti-immigration parties have witnessed a dramatic surge in popularity.

Power shift to the East? Sort of...

By Amal Varghese

A global power shift has been occurring over the last decade from West to East, that fact is undeniable. But can we simply project this trend into the future? It's not quite that simple.

The Future of the European Union

By Keshia Jacotine

We may be living in the “Asian Century” but the ongoing Eurozone crisis has shown us that the spotlight has not completely shifted away from Europe. Over the past two years, we have witnessed the European Union (EU) stumble from one crisis to another, culminating in a new fiscal compact that will instate stricter budgetary guidelines for the 17 members of the Eurozone as well as enable the European Court of Justice to fine members that do not tow the fiscal line.

Russia and a Eurasian Union?

By Priya Wakhlu

With the current political and economic quagmire consuming the European Union, it’s surprising to note that, Vladmir Putin is flirting with the idea of establishing a similar regional bloc in Eurasia. Rising from the ashes of the Soviet Union, the establishment of the Eurasian Union is a key component of Putin’s foreign policy.

Crisis of Legitimacy in the European Political Establishment

By Sharna de Lacy

History, has shown that political turning points often emerge during times of sharp economic downturn,as fringe actors become increasingly prominent in societal discourse. As a result of the Euro debt crisis, seismic political changes are occurring across the region.