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ANZAC Special: The $53 Billion Defence Boost in Australia's Military
As it is ANZAC day, we're doing a deep dive on Australia's $53 billion defence boost in the next decade. JNIM has also launched a new offensive in the Sahel region.
Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2026
THE BRIEFING
Here’s what’s happening in geopolitics today.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments in Athens set a sharp tone, as he warned Europe faces pressure from all sides. At the same time, Iran is back in Islamabad testing the waters for renewed U.S. talks, while Washington makes a legal concession in Nicolás Maduro’s drug trafficking case.
Elsewhere, Russia and North Korea deepen ties with a wartime memorial visit, and Mali is rocked by coordinated insurgent attacks that forced the closure of its main airport.
As it is ANZAC day, we're doing a deep dive on Australia's $53 billion defence boost in the next decade. JNIM has also launched a new offensive in the Sahel region.
THE LAST 24 HOURS IN GEOPOLITICS
1. Macron bands Trump with Putin, Xi as ‘dead against’ Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron said during a visit to Athens that the United States, China and Russia are all acting in ways that are “dead against Europeans,” reflecting growing concern over Europe’s strategic position. He grouped Trump alongside leaders in Beijing and Moscow, arguing that their policies increasingly run counter to European interests and security. Macron continues to push for greater European autonomy in defence and foreign policy.
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2. Iranian foreign minister arrives in Islamabad ahead of possible US talks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad for meetings with Pakistani officials as efforts resume to revive negotiations with the United States. The visit comes after earlier talks in the Pakistani capital collapsed without agreement, with both sides now exploring the possibility of restarting discussions through indirect channels rather than face-to-face meetings. U.S. envoys are also expected in Islamabad, though no direct meeting between American and Iranian officials has been confirmed.
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3. US to let Venezuela pay Maduro’s lawyer in drug trafficking case
The United States has agreed to ease sanctions on Venezuela to allow government funds to be used to pay legal fees for former president Nicolás Maduro, who is on trial in New York on drug trafficking charges. The decision follows legal challenges from Maduro’s defence team, who argued that blocking payment violated his constitutional right to legal representation, as neither he nor his wife can fund their own defence. U.S. officials said the adjustment ensures the case can proceed without breaching due process rights, while maintaining broader sanctions tied to national security concerns.
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4. Russian parliament speaker in North Korea to honour soldiers killed in war
Russia’s parliament speaker, Vyacheslav Volodin, has arrived in North Korea for an official visit tied to a ceremony honouring soldiers killed in the Ukraine war. The visit includes the opening of a memorial complex dedicated to troops involved in overseas operations, including North Korean soldiers who supported Russian forces.
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5. Mali insurgents hit military bases in ‘complex attacks’, airport shut
Armed insurgents launched coordinated “complex attacks” across Mali, targeting military bases and key infrastructure in multiple cities including the capital Bamako. Explosions and heavy gunfire were reported near major military installations and the international airport, which was temporarily shut as fighting unfolded. The Malian army said it had regained control in most areas by later in the day, though operations were ongoing, with no group immediately claiming responsibility for the attacks.
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