Media and Publications Library
Commentary, writing and public appearances.
‘Quiet achievers’, diplomatic fumbles and wins: the power of strategic messaging
Jane analyses the potential power and pitfalls of strategic messaging via formal bilateral diplomatic statements - many of which she has drafted for ministers and prime ministers during her 3 decade-long diplomatic career.
ASEAN top diplomats hope for breakthrough to ease conflicts in SCS and Myanmar in Cebu meet
Jane is a regular contributor to articles by Philippines journalist Michaela del Callar, focused on long-standing concerns about China’s activities in the South China Sea.
The world is watching closely to see whether a US–North Korea summit will take place in 2026
Jane was interviewed by Yoshihiro MAKINO, who writes for a major Japanese daily newspaper the Asahi Shimbun, about the signals coming from North Korea, and prospects for another Trump-Kim summit.
What I learned about North Korea’s nuclear paranoia in Pyongyang
The first of two articles about reading the tea-leaves in North Korea, Jane reflects on her experiences as a diplomat visiting Pyongyang more than two decades ago, and what we might have heard wrong.
The two Koreas: Could a North-South summit be in the works?
The second of two articles about emerging signals from a nuclear-armed North Korea and President Trump’s personal connection to its leader Kim Jong-u, Jane speculates about the drivers for another Trump-Kim summit.
The trouble the shutdown is causing a NATO ally
Jane is a regular contributor to articles by POLITICO journalist Phelim Kine in Washington, and comments on the impact of US domestic politics and President Trump’s trade wars on the Australia-India-Japan-US Quad.
Three Kims: Narratives, Nukes and Negotiations
What did we see and hear in Pyongyang, and hear from North Korean officials, through the hopeful days of the 2000s, when we joined with close allies to try to convince the Kim Jong-il regime to give up nuclear weapons and to open up the country’s economy Vietnam-style? Clearly we failed. Kim’s son, Kim Jong-un has technology and nuclear material enough for 50 warheads, cyber hacking on an industrial scale and swathes of North Koreans live in poverty and servitude.
China's aggressive actions can now be seen beyond South China Sea
Jane is a regular contributor to articles by Philippines journalist Michaela del Callar, focused on long-standing concerns about China’s activities in the South China Sea.
Trump puts nuclear weapons on the agenda. The world should listen
While head of Arms Control work in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Jane met and worked with US Obama senior official and former top nuclear negotiator, Dr Rose Gottemoeller. Now at Stanford University, Rose delivered the Lowy Institute’s annual strategic policy lecture in Sydney on a surprising topic - whether President Trump might just pull of a ground-breaking nuclear pact between the thee most powerful nuclear weapons states.
Why competition laws could increase the risk of blue screen attacks
Jane joined veteran American military chief and cyber czar, Mike Rogers, to highlight risks associated with open market competition laws on digital access in Europe, which would open up to ordinary people’s phones and laptops to direct attacks.
Biden bids bye to the Quad
POLITICO journalists focused on the Australia-India-Japan-United States Quadrilateral Dialogue spoke to Jane about Australia’s interests and aims for the group, as the US transitioned from Presidents Biden to Trump.
Farewell Fumio Kishida – regional foundations are stronger for your legacy
Australia has spent four decades building diplomatic mini-laterals in our region. Japan has been a steadfast and effective partner in our aims, particularly former PM Kishida.
Japan, South Korea and United States: Let’s hope for a robust, lasting pact
For Indo-Pacific stability and security, there is no more important relationship than that between South Korea and Japan - and the United States forged a breakthrough pact which we hope will be sustained.
NATO’s collective power – and Australia’s role
Though geographically far away, the world’s most comprehensive and powerful collective military treaty, NATO, remains fundamental to Australia's interests.
The NATO summit in Washington is critical to Australia’s interests
Australia’s Defence Minister stood in for the PM at a critical moment in NATO’s history, but Jane believes the PM himself should have been there.
Putin goes to Pyongyang: Should we be worried?
North Korea is one of the world’s most impoverished and isolated nations - one with nuclear weapons - but its young leader has forged new and dangerous liaisons with old ally Russia.
Integrated deterrence in the Indo-Pacific: Advancing the Australia-United States alliance
In 2021 while servicing Australia’s head diplomat in Hawaii, Jane met with the US Defense Secretary at the INDOPACOM Change of Command and heard his groundbreaking ideas about integrated deterrence among allies.
Twenty years since 9/11
On this special anniversary, Jane wrote of her conversations with the North Korean foreign minister in Pyongyang, and realised the magnitude of his misreading of the US response to the 9/11 terror attacks.