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Five of our interns will give a presentation on a topic of their own choice:
'The Populist Erosion of Multilateralism: A Threat to Global Cooperation'
As populism takes hold worldwide, it is fundamentally altering the fabric of global cooperation, steering nations away from shared commitments and towards increasingly self-interested policies. Leaders such as Trump, Modi, and Orbán, along with the rise of far-right movements in Europe, emphasise national sovereignty over collective responsibility, challenging the very principles that institutions like the UN and WTO were built to uphold. Trump's recent re-election underscores this trend: his "America First" approach—with demands for sharply higher tariffs, stricter immigration controls, mass deportations, and a retreat from international agreements—signals a broader shift toward selective, interest-driven engagement in global affairs. Paloma Hawkins will explore how this populist wave challenges the foundations of multilateralism, weakening the ability of global institutions to address shared issues such as climate change and security.
Re-evaluating BRICS: Integration Over Insurrection
Matt McKelvie will critique the common perception of BRICS as a direct challenge to Western hegemony, instead arguing that the bloc functions to enhance integration within the global capitalist framework. By engaging with concepts such as the transnational state and global value chains, he will suggest that BRICS is less a challenge to, and more a triumph of, the West. Regulated by multinational governing bodies, cooperation between the BRICS nations may open pathways for growth within both emerging and developed markets rather than fundamentally disrupt Western dominance.
Cairo's Successor: Can Egypt's New Capital Make a Difference?
Egypt's new administrative capital, one of the world's most ambitious projects, seeks to reshape this central country in the Arab and Muslim world. Designed to alleviate Cairo's overcrowding and enhance Egypt's global status, the project raises concerns about socio-economic inequality and potential political repression. Critics argue it may primarily benefit the wealthy, deepening existing disparities. Numan Mousa's presentation will explore the capital's geopolitical significance, economic motivations, and social implications, questioning its ability to transform Egyptian society.
Chinese Nationalism in the Era of Strategic Competition
Patriotic fervour has been commonplace in China for more than a century. There is much for the Chinese people to be to be proud of. At the same time, there are several historical events and present trends that they have grievances with. President Xi Jinping has effectively captured these sentiments in his speeches and policy making, using nationalism as the key legitimising factor for his continued leadership. Drawing on his experience of visiting China since 2017, Ethan Pooley will discuss Chinese nationalism, how it has evolved, and the implications for Australia.
Social Media Algorithms: The Shortcomings of Traditional Securitisation
The landscape of international security is one that has transformed dramatically over the past few decades. As states and multilateral institutions grapple with traditional threats of terrorism, transnational crime and interstate conflict, a seldom-discussed spectre looms: the social media algorithm. The ways through which we engage with one another online do not occur within a vacuum, and are directly influenced by opaque AI systems, shady state actors and Silicon Valley nerds. Jacob Sukiennik will explore how disinformation, online echo chambers and algorithmically created polarisation threaten the very fabric of our society. In particular, he will examine how states and multilateral institutions may be wholly unequipped to respond to these nascent security threats.
Our interns:
Paloma Hawkins is a final-year student at the University of Sydney, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies with a double major in International Relations and Political Economy, and a strong focus on French language through her elective coursework.
Matthew McKelvie is a Dalyell Scholar at the University of Sydney, where he is pursuing a double major in Political Economy and International Business. Before turning 21, Matt had lived in six countries across three continents, shaping his identity as a third-culture kid and sparking a passion for international affairs.
Numan Mousa is a Master's student at the University of New South Wales, building on his dual Bachelor's degrees in Laws and Arts in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Sydney.
Ethan Pooley holds a double bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He has spent two years working and studying in Greater China.
Jacob Sukiennik is a recent graduate at the University of New South Wales, where he studied a double Bachelor of International Studies and Media (Communications and Journalism).
(For more information, go to the Internships page
REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 4:00PM AEST ON Tuesday, November 19
We will have space for a limited number of participants in-person at the Glover Cottages, tickets to be pre-paid. Once the limit for in-person attendees is reached, tickets will no longer be sold on the website or at the door.
Refreshments will be served.
For further information please email: nswexec@internationalaffairs.org.au
Photo from left to right: Jacob, Matt, Paloma, Singithi, Numan and Ethan
