Politics
A bittersweet history
Sugar has a bitter history of slavery and exploitation, but University of Melbourne researchers say it's also transformed politics and our modern-day diet.
Lucky leaders: How we view the good outcomes of people in power
University of Melbourne research finds we are more likely to attribute the good outcomes of a leader’s decisions to luck, and bad ones to personal failure.
The geopolitics of Antarctica
In 1959, countries around the world came together to establish the Antarctic Treaty; a University of Melbourne expert says it came at a time of frosty politics.
Jakarta riots reveal Indonesia’s deep divisions
A University of Melbourne expert says Indonesia’s post-election riots and violence highlight the tensions over the place of Islam in the democracy.
Get with the (political) programming
If real-life politics is getting you down, University of Melbourne experts recommend fictional political TV power players to inspire your interest instead.
Protection or punishment for refugees: What are the election policies?
Australian politics needs a robust debate on the human rights implications of our refugee and border protection policies says University of Melbourne expert.
The cost of climate (in)action
Will any major parties' climate policies help Australia meet its Paris commitments, and what is the cost of inaction? A University of Melbourne expert explains.
What you need to know about the major parties’ policies on personal income tax
Australia's federal election could be fought over proposed income tax cuts; but what's the actual difference between the Coalition and Labor plans for taxation?
The battle of the slogans
As voters are bombarded by ads, a University of Melbourne marketing expert gives his verdict on which party has the most effective political campaign slogan.
Is Indonesian democracy still trapped in old-style politics?
Joko Widodo may have won Indonesia's elections; but a University of Melbourne expert says it's the next generation of politicians who will shake up democracy.