Even as lawsuits in the US surge and opioid prescribing practices decline, the damage of addiction is extending deeper into Asia. The growing crisis demands an evidence-based response, Sally Tyler writes.

To celebrate five years of Policy Forum, our special InFocus section is hearing back from the authors of some of our most popular articles on some crucial policy questions. Patrick Cooney reflects on what has and hasn’t changed since 2014, and on where policy needs to be headed in the five years to come.

Investigating the struggle of people against power, Quentin Grafton looks to the past, finding implications for people power today and Australia’s future prosperity.

In the last five years, China’s power has only grown, but a major flashpoint for potential conflict is still yet to be resolved, Kerry Brown writes.

Saudi Arabia’s interest in one of the world’s most famous football clubs is designed to compete with its neighbours, and shows that sport is becoming crucial to the kingdom’s future in the region, Simon Chadwick writes.

Japan and China need each other, but mutual suspicion in the relationship prevents serious progress. Japan should look to other middle-powers in the region for a secure future, Stephen Nagy writes.