What you might have missed 22/05/15

Its Friday night, and this is what you might have missed.

Firstly, two topics which we have covered in recent weeks have been China’s expansionist actions and the race for the control of the Arctic. These two issues combined in Arthur Guschin’s piece for The Diplomat in which he discusses China and Iceland’s relationship. While predominantly an economic relationship which developed out of Iceland’s halted EU membership bid, it has the potential to morph into something else. Firstly, close economic ties between Icelandic and Chinese companies could see more Chinese ships operating in Arctic waters, and secondly, the possibility for Chinese companies to tap into the Arctic’s natural resources through Icelandic controlled areas.

Moving into Europe, the fallout from Russia’s actions in Ukraine continues to have repercussions, with the French refusing to deliver two Mistral amphibious assault ships. Having refunded Russia, the question of who buys these ships is being asked. War on the Rocks argues that the United States should purchase them, giving the Marines a desperately needed rapid response ability (along with showing support to the French). An article at The Diplomat suggested that the Chinese were interested, but due to embargos enacted post-Tiananmen Square, it is unlikely that would happen. While where these ships end up is a military matter, the symbolic effects could be much more important.

Moving to Australia, The Conversation examines whether Maurice Newman’s statements on climate science are correct. He seems to believe that Climate models are invalid. Mr Newman has a history of climate change denial and serves to be yet another embarrassment to the Government, and Australia in general.

The super-secretive Trans-Pacific Partnership currently being negotiated is slowly getting more press and having more questions asked about it. The Guardian discusses a growing discontent within Parliament over the deal. The very fact that they will not know the deal’s contents until after Australia has signed on is both concerning and disturbing. I can only hope that the Abbott government does not sign the agreement without proper disclosure and consultation.

The Abbott government has gotten a boost in the polls following the budget and the fallout is beginning to be felt. One of the more perplexing decisions has been the reallocation of funding from the Australia Council for the Arts (independent) to a new arts program administered by the Minister of the Arts(partisan). The Guardian has a round up here as does the SMH here.

Switching away from politics, Claire Lansbaum at Vulture has a discussion on the history and current state of women in the Marvel Comics. An interesting read, with 48% of comic book readers female, it is good to see progress in a traditionally male dominated media.

Finally on Treehugger a brief post about a group of friends paddling across America upstream is thought provoking. The participants answer to why they are not fundraising while doing it, is “what’s wrong with adventure”. Do we still desire for adventure for adventure’s sake.

Have a great weekend!