Latest news with #Genauer
The Advertiser
12-08-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Australia risks US ire with Palestine recognition move
A decision to announce Palestinian recognition after its allies might have allowed Australia to escape backlash from the US. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed Australia will join the UK, Canada and France in recognising Palestinian statehood at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, after mounting pressure to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza. The US has long been one of Australia's most important allies, but for decades it has remained staunchly opposed to the recognition of Palestine. While some have argued Australia's decision to break from the US could imperil the bilateral relationship, Flinders University international relations lecturer Jessica Genauer says the federal government's diplomatic calculus has helped dampen any impact. "Because Australia waited until other important countries all said they're planning to recognise Palestine ... I don't think it will be singled out by the US," Dr Genauer told AAP. "The Trump administration is opposed to countries recognising Palestine, but I think that they would put Australia in with a whole group of other countries and it wouldn't particularly be detrimental to Australia's relationship." Since US President Donald Trump began his second term, the Labor government has intentionally opted not to align too closely with his policy directions. Instead, Australia has worked closely with European nations and other partners to ensure it is part of a strong network of middle powers. This approach has been used to navigate a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and now with Palestinian recognition, Dr Genauer said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australia's announcement on statehood was "disrespectful" of its relationship with the US and could jeopardise peace as any ceasefire would be brokered by America. But the prime minister defended his decision. "President Trump has made it very clear he wants to see peace in the region. Australia wants to see peace in the region," he said. "We make our sovereign decisions as a nation state in Australia's national interest and we are aligning ourselves with like-minded countries." While recognising Palestine would not immediately change anything for the two million people in Gaza the UN projects are facing severe food insecurity, Dr Genauer said the move was important because it showed countries were looking for any possible way to shift the situation. More than 140 out of the 193 United Nations member states already recognise Palestine, but the addition of Australia - a strong middle power - alongside the UK and France, which have veto power in the UN Security Council, will add significant pressure. "The United States is now quite isolated in their position blocking that recognition," she said. A decision to announce Palestinian recognition after its allies might have allowed Australia to escape backlash from the US. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed Australia will join the UK, Canada and France in recognising Palestinian statehood at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, after mounting pressure to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza. The US has long been one of Australia's most important allies, but for decades it has remained staunchly opposed to the recognition of Palestine. While some have argued Australia's decision to break from the US could imperil the bilateral relationship, Flinders University international relations lecturer Jessica Genauer says the federal government's diplomatic calculus has helped dampen any impact. "Because Australia waited until other important countries all said they're planning to recognise Palestine ... I don't think it will be singled out by the US," Dr Genauer told AAP. "The Trump administration is opposed to countries recognising Palestine, but I think that they would put Australia in with a whole group of other countries and it wouldn't particularly be detrimental to Australia's relationship." Since US President Donald Trump began his second term, the Labor government has intentionally opted not to align too closely with his policy directions. Instead, Australia has worked closely with European nations and other partners to ensure it is part of a strong network of middle powers. This approach has been used to navigate a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and now with Palestinian recognition, Dr Genauer said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australia's announcement on statehood was "disrespectful" of its relationship with the US and could jeopardise peace as any ceasefire would be brokered by America. But the prime minister defended his decision. "President Trump has made it very clear he wants to see peace in the region. Australia wants to see peace in the region," he said. "We make our sovereign decisions as a nation state in Australia's national interest and we are aligning ourselves with like-minded countries." While recognising Palestine would not immediately change anything for the two million people in Gaza the UN projects are facing severe food insecurity, Dr Genauer said the move was important because it showed countries were looking for any possible way to shift the situation. More than 140 out of the 193 United Nations member states already recognise Palestine, but the addition of Australia - a strong middle power - alongside the UK and France, which have veto power in the UN Security Council, will add significant pressure. "The United States is now quite isolated in their position blocking that recognition," she said. A decision to announce Palestinian recognition after its allies might have allowed Australia to escape backlash from the US. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed Australia will join the UK, Canada and France in recognising Palestinian statehood at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, after mounting pressure to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza. The US has long been one of Australia's most important allies, but for decades it has remained staunchly opposed to the recognition of Palestine. While some have argued Australia's decision to break from the US could imperil the bilateral relationship, Flinders University international relations lecturer Jessica Genauer says the federal government's diplomatic calculus has helped dampen any impact. "Because Australia waited until other important countries all said they're planning to recognise Palestine ... I don't think it will be singled out by the US," Dr Genauer told AAP. "The Trump administration is opposed to countries recognising Palestine, but I think that they would put Australia in with a whole group of other countries and it wouldn't particularly be detrimental to Australia's relationship." Since US President Donald Trump began his second term, the Labor government has intentionally opted not to align too closely with his policy directions. Instead, Australia has worked closely with European nations and other partners to ensure it is part of a strong network of middle powers. This approach has been used to navigate a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and now with Palestinian recognition, Dr Genauer said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australia's announcement on statehood was "disrespectful" of its relationship with the US and could jeopardise peace as any ceasefire would be brokered by America. But the prime minister defended his decision. "President Trump has made it very clear he wants to see peace in the region. Australia wants to see peace in the region," he said. "We make our sovereign decisions as a nation state in Australia's national interest and we are aligning ourselves with like-minded countries." While recognising Palestine would not immediately change anything for the two million people in Gaza the UN projects are facing severe food insecurity, Dr Genauer said the move was important because it showed countries were looking for any possible way to shift the situation. More than 140 out of the 193 United Nations member states already recognise Palestine, but the addition of Australia - a strong middle power - alongside the UK and France, which have veto power in the UN Security Council, will add significant pressure. "The United States is now quite isolated in their position blocking that recognition," she said. A decision to announce Palestinian recognition after its allies might have allowed Australia to escape backlash from the US. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed Australia will join the UK, Canada and France in recognising Palestinian statehood at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, after mounting pressure to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza. The US has long been one of Australia's most important allies, but for decades it has remained staunchly opposed to the recognition of Palestine. While some have argued Australia's decision to break from the US could imperil the bilateral relationship, Flinders University international relations lecturer Jessica Genauer says the federal government's diplomatic calculus has helped dampen any impact. "Because Australia waited until other important countries all said they're planning to recognise Palestine ... I don't think it will be singled out by the US," Dr Genauer told AAP. "The Trump administration is opposed to countries recognising Palestine, but I think that they would put Australia in with a whole group of other countries and it wouldn't particularly be detrimental to Australia's relationship." Since US President Donald Trump began his second term, the Labor government has intentionally opted not to align too closely with his policy directions. Instead, Australia has worked closely with European nations and other partners to ensure it is part of a strong network of middle powers. This approach has been used to navigate a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and now with Palestinian recognition, Dr Genauer said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australia's announcement on statehood was "disrespectful" of its relationship with the US and could jeopardise peace as any ceasefire would be brokered by America. But the prime minister defended his decision. "President Trump has made it very clear he wants to see peace in the region. Australia wants to see peace in the region," he said. "We make our sovereign decisions as a nation state in Australia's national interest and we are aligning ourselves with like-minded countries." While recognising Palestine would not immediately change anything for the two million people in Gaza the UN projects are facing severe food insecurity, Dr Genauer said the move was important because it showed countries were looking for any possible way to shift the situation. More than 140 out of the 193 United Nations member states already recognise Palestine, but the addition of Australia - a strong middle power - alongside the UK and France, which have veto power in the UN Security Council, will add significant pressure. "The United States is now quite isolated in their position blocking that recognition," she said.
West Australian
12-08-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Australia risks US ire with Palestine recognition move
A decision to announce Palestinian recognition after its allies might have allowed Australia to escape backlash from the US. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed Australia will join the UK, Canada and France in recognising Palestinian statehood at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, after mounting pressure to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza. The US has long been one of Australia's most important allies, but for decades it has remained staunchly opposed to the recognition of Palestine. While some have argued Australia's decision to break from the US could imperil the bilateral relationship, Flinders University international relations lecturer Jessica Genauer says the federal government's diplomatic calculus has helped dampen any impact. "Because Australia waited until other important countries all said they're planning to recognise Palestine ... I don't think it will be singled out by the US," Dr Genauer told AAP. "The Trump administration is opposed to countries recognising Palestine, but I think that they would put Australia in with a whole group of other countries and it wouldn't particularly be detrimental to Australia's relationship." Since US President Donald Trump began his second term, the Labor government has intentionally opted not to align too closely with his policy directions. Instead, Australia has worked closely with European nations and other partners to ensure it is part of a strong network of middle powers. This approach has been used to navigate a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and now with Palestinian recognition, Dr Genauer said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australia's announcement on statehood was "disrespectful" of its relationship with the US and could jeopardise peace as any ceasefire would be brokered by America. But the prime minister defended his decision. "President Trump has made it very clear he wants to see peace in the region. Australia wants to see peace in the region," he said. "We make our sovereign decisions as a nation state in Australia's national interest and we are aligning ourselves with like-minded countries." While recognising Palestine would not immediately change anything for the two million people in Gaza the UN projects are facing severe food insecurity, Dr Genauer said the move was important because it showed countries were looking for any possible way to shift the situation. More than 140 out of the 193 United Nations member states already recognise Palestine, but the addition of Australia - a strong middle power - alongside the UK and France, which have veto power in the UN Security Council, will add significant pressure. "The United States is now quite isolated in their position blocking that recognition," she said.
Perth Now
12-08-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Australia risks US ire with Palestine recognition move
A decision to announce Palestinian recognition after its allies might have allowed Australia to escape backlash from the US. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed Australia will join the UK, Canada and France in recognising Palestinian statehood at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, after mounting pressure to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza. The US has long been one of Australia's most important allies, but for decades it has remained staunchly opposed to the recognition of Palestine. While some have argued Australia's decision to break from the US could imperil the bilateral relationship, Flinders University international relations lecturer Jessica Genauer says the federal government's diplomatic calculus has helped dampen any impact. "Because Australia waited until other important countries all said they're planning to recognise Palestine ... I don't think it will be singled out by the US," Dr Genauer told AAP. "The Trump administration is opposed to countries recognising Palestine, but I think that they would put Australia in with a whole group of other countries and it wouldn't particularly be detrimental to Australia's relationship." Since US President Donald Trump began his second term, the Labor government has intentionally opted not to align too closely with his policy directions. Instead, Australia has worked closely with European nations and other partners to ensure it is part of a strong network of middle powers. This approach has been used to navigate a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and now with Palestinian recognition, Dr Genauer said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australia's announcement on statehood was "disrespectful" of its relationship with the US and could jeopardise peace as any ceasefire would be brokered by America. But the prime minister defended his decision. "President Trump has made it very clear he wants to see peace in the region. Australia wants to see peace in the region," he said. "We make our sovereign decisions as a nation state in Australia's national interest and we are aligning ourselves with like-minded countries." While recognising Palestine would not immediately change anything for the two million people in Gaza the UN projects are facing severe food insecurity, Dr Genauer said the move was important because it showed countries were looking for any possible way to shift the situation. More than 140 out of the 193 United Nations member states already recognise Palestine, but the addition of Australia - a strong middle power - alongside the UK and France, which have veto power in the UN Security Council, will add significant pressure. "The United States is now quite isolated in their position blocking that recognition," she said.
ABC News
25-04-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
What happens in Crimea since Russia's invasion and why is it contested
It has been 11 years since the Crimean Peninsula fell under the control of Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent rejection of recognising Crimea as part of Russia's territory has been lashed out at by US President Donald Trump. Mr Trump criticised Mr Zelenskyy's statement as " very harmful to the peace negotiations ", saying Crimea was lost years ago and " is not even a point of discussion ". What has happened in Crimea since Russia's illegal takeover, and why is it contested? Here's what we know. What has happened in Crimea since Russia's invasion? Crimea has been governed by Russia-backed Sergey Aksyonov since February 2014, after Russia illegally invaded and annexed Crimea. Weeks after the annexation, fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine between pro-Kremlin militias and Kyiv's forces . Here are key events between Russia and Ukraine: In September 2014/February 2015 , In June 2017 , the Ukrainian parliament In May 2018 , Russia the Kerch Bridge — from the Russian mainland to Crimea In September 2020 , Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy In February 2022 , Russia In October 2022 , Russia accused Ukraine of In June 2023 , Ukraine's missiles Will Crimea be part of Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks? Unlikely. Photo shows A solemn looking man The mayor said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might be forced to accept a "painful solution" to achieve peace, as US envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Russia for more talks. "Crimea will not be a part of negotiations as an independent entity," said Jessica Genauer, a senior lecturer in International Relations at Flinders University, citing that Crimea "is under Russian-backed governance at present". "However, negotiations between Russia and Ukraine for a peace settlement will need to reach [an] agreement on Crimean governance," Dr Genauer told the ABC. She added that 55 per cent of Ukrainians were opposed to any territorial concessions to Russia from Ukraine, including Crimea, according to "If Zelenskyy were to formally cede Crimea to Russian control, this would be unacceptable to a majority of the Ukrainian population and would be politically risky for Zelenskyy," Dr Genauer said. What do we expect next? Dr Genauer said a temporary cessation of hostilities in the Russia-Ukraine war would likely happen based on the current negotiators, but it "will not lead to a lasting peace". "[Donald] Trump is primarily concerned about showing his domestic core support base that he can 'get results' in the war between Russia and Ukraine," she said. "Trump is less concerned about the specifics of those results or whether they lead to a lasting and substantive peace. Trump will, therefore, try to push for any agreement to be reached. "Realistically, this will be at most a temporary cessation of hostilities." If that happens, Dr Genauer said Mr Trump would claim the cessation as a "win" for himself and his presidency and would blame any failure to reach a more lasting agreement on Ukraine and Russia. She said, "The deeper, more intractable issue of territorial sovereignty and control would need to be addressed for a more comprehensive peace agreement to be reached. "However, Russia and Ukraine stand too far apart on this issue at present for agreement. "Russia would like Crimea and about 20 per cent of Ukrainian sovereign territory to be officially ceded to Russia — Ukrainians would never agree to such a deal." Mr Trump told Time Magazine during an interview that Crimea would stay with Russia. "Well, Crimea went to the Russians," he said, "It was handed to them by Barack Hussein Obama, and not by me," he said. "It's been with them long before Trump came along. Again, this is Obama's war. "This is a war that should have never happened. I call it the war that should have never happened." Why is Crimea significant? It is strategically significant for military purposes and global transportation. Russia's Black Sea Fleet is based in Sevastopol, which was leased from Ukraine and gives Moscow access to the Mediterranean. Photo shows People walk along the beach with a giant cloud of smoke behind them As Russia's war in Ukraine hits the 18 month mark, the Crimean Penisula is becoming both a playground and a battleground again. Russia has frequently used Crimea as a launch pad for missile and drone attacks since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2024, and the Ukrainian military has also fired missiles at Crimea. On the other hand, the possession of Crimea is key to control over activities in the Black Sea , which is a critical corridor for the world's grain, among other goods. Crimea's Who lawfully owns Crimea? Crimea was home to Turkic-speaking Tatars when the Russian empire first annexed it in the 18th century. The Soviet Union took over Crimea after the Tatars briefly regained independence as a Tatar republic for two centuries. In 1944, Soviet dictator Josef Stalin deported nearly 200,000 Tatars, or about a third of Crimea's population, to Central Asia, 3,200 kilometres to the east. Crimea was part of Russia until 1955, when Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred Crimea from Russia to Ukraine to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the unification of Moscow and Kyiv. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the peninsula became part of newly independent Ukraine . ABC/Wires
