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Author: Binoy Kampmark

  • INTERNATIONAL

    The Russia-Ukraine war two years on

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 28 February 2024
    5 Comments

    After two years, the attack on Ukraine by Russia on February 24 has left half-a-million dead, traumatised a generation, and promises little in the way of a halt to hostilities. The unpalatable reality to this conflict is that some diplomatic solution will have to be found in this war of murderous attrition.

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 25 January 2024
    1 Comment

    Proving genocide is an onerous task, notably on the issue of intent. The acts alleged must be specifically intended to destroy the group members in question. The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect considers this element ‘the most difficult element to determine.’

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Absolute obedience: David McBride and the limits of duty

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 30 November 2023
    3 Comments

    Charged with breaching national security for exposing alleged war crimes by Australian forces in Afghanistan, former Australian military lawyer David McBride's trial in Canberra rekindles a debate that tests the boundaries of military obedience and public interest. At the heart of this legal battle lies the question: when does the duty to expose wrongdoing outweigh the duty to follow orders?  

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  • AUSTRALIA

    The plight of the Australian whistleblower

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 09 November 2023
    1 Comment

    Next week, former army lawyer David McBride will face trial, accused of leaking classified defence information. Meanwhile, the prospect of meaningful whistleblower reforms that would shield Australian public servants who contemplate exposing wrongdoing through the media seems remote.

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    The uses of violence: The Israeli-Hamas war

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 26 October 2023
    5 Comments

    Following the Hamas attack on October 7, the world is forced to grapple with the profound complexities of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, a mire of historical grievances, selective narratives, and devastating violence. With both sides weaponising the weight of their tragedies for the international stage, the tragedy's core remains: innocent lives lost in a perpetuating cycle of violence. 

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Being disinterested in Djokovic

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 20 September 2023
    3 Comments

    Novak Djokovic's on-court triumphs are undeniable, yet off-court controversies spark widespread debate. Navigating the complex interplay of admiration, critique, and understanding becomes essential in grasping the narrative of this unparalleled yet enigmatic champion. Can we disentangle his sporting prowess from off-court controversies?

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Purges in the Kremlin

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 29 August 2023
    1 Comment

    Yevgeny Prigozhin's rise in Putin's Russia reveals the Kremlin's treacherous balance of power. From hotdogs to leading the feared Wagner mercenary group, his ambition culminated in unpredictable consequences. The question is, will Putin be left stronger after this sanguinary purging?

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Ellsberg's whistleblowing legacy

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 08 August 2023
    1 Comment

    Before WikiLeaks, Daniel Ellsberg's release of the Pentagon Papers exposed U.S. deceptions in the Vietnam War. His journey from defence analyst to whistleblower leaves a legacy that resonates today. In an era where transparency is often overshadowed by retaliation, Ellsberg's story stands as a sobering reminder of the cost of truth.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Kathleen Folbigg, monster mythology and science

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 14 June 2023
    3 Comments

    At the intersection of myth, science, and law is the contentious case of Kathleen Folbigg, accused of being a modern-day Medea. Convicted of killing her children and later exonerated, Folbigg’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of science in legal judgments and societal myths of motherhood cloud our interpretation of facts.

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Kissinger's unaccountable realism

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 06 June 2023
    8 Comments

    Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger continues to be a subject of fascination and controversy, with his role in statecraft garnering praise and criticism. Amidst the accolades and accusations, questions of justice and accountability remain as Kissinger reaches his centenary.

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    Scapegoats of war

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 27 April 2023

    With the prosecution of low-level soldiers like SAS trooper Oliver Schulz for war crimes in Afghanistan, we should consider: what is the scope of accountability for war crimes under international and Australian law, and how does it apply to commanders who should have known about the crimes?

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  • INTERNATIONAL

    AUKUS: Mirage or reality?

    • Binoy Kampmark
    • 28 March 2023
    8 Comments

    Australia's decision to partner with the US and the UK for the AUKUS pact has drawn scrutiny with questions looming about acquisition, construction and delivery of the nuclear-propelled submarines and a projected $368 billion outlay for up to eight vessels. 

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