![[images/1-junotane2.png]] Welcome to Junotane—the loneliest, driest, snarkiest, most cynical, disbelieving, algorithm and tracking-free corner of the international relations internet. Probably one of the last places where the writer has no agenda except time to pass; uses knowledge and insight to inform rather than to monetize or to spruik; and writes not for followers or clicks, but for passion and enjoyment. Want to follow and subscribe? Nah, not here. You return and read or you don't, it's up to you. You can return to [[Home]] and check out the latest pieces; read bit of information on the site down below; visit the [[Commentary]], [[Academic]], and [[Fiction]] pages, or go straight to the [[Archives]] page. Finally, since you've somehow found your way here, and if you reckon we might have something worth working on together, be sure to [[Contact]] me. Now, about me... ***  My name is Jeffrey Robertson. I previously worked for the Australian Government doing pretty much the same as I do now, except with more coffee breaks. Now, I write from the other side of the line as an academic, consultant, and sometimes second-rate spy fiction ghostwriter. I research and write about the diplomatic, foreign policy, and strategic affairs of the region with an emphasis on the diplomatic practice of middle powers and the Korean Peninsula. I'm responsible for [*Diplomatic Style and Foreign Policy: A Case Study of South Korea*](https://www.routledge.com/Diplomatic-Style-and-Foreign-Policy-A-Case-Study-of-South-Korea/Robertson/p/book/9781138334151) (Routledge, 2016); [*When South Korea Turns: Strategic Questions on a Crumbling World Order*](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-92-6330-1) (Palgrave Macmillan, 2026); and [*Reframing Conflict in East Asia Korea Before Taiwan?*](https://www.routledge.com/Reframing-Conflict-in-East-Asia-Korea-Before-Taiwan/Robertson/p/book/9781041428220) (Routledge. 2026). Next up are a few books that *really* push the limits in terms of style, argument, and disciplinary conventions. You can often see me on BBC, Arirang, CNBC, or Channel News Asia (CNA) talking about the region. I regularly contribute to international relations and political affairs blogs, magazines, and mainstream print media. I'm provocative and irreverent, largely because a healthy dose of realism and common sense is needed to make sense of the increasing absurdity of contemporary politics. With more than 25 years government, consultancy and academic experience, I hold high-level expertise and have access to an extensive network on the diplomacy, foreign policy, and strategic affairs of the Korean Peninsula region. I undertake research, analysis, and advisory work for governments, the corporate sector, and political risk and human intelligence services providers. I'm not the one who conforms to expectations, I'm the one who challenges them. [[Contact]] me if you want to work together.  ## Why blog? In international relations today, it’s hard to be creative. The academic publishing, research, and funding system discourages it. First, there’s pressure to publish. In response, it’s easier to conform and be published, rather than challenge norms and tempt rejection. At the highest levels, top-tier journals are closed shops. A journal such as _Foreign Affairs_ requires not only conformity to norms, but also the tacit acceptance into a closed cabal of Washington think-tank thought. Even when a topic heats up and grabs global attention, outsiders working on the same topic for decades will be overlooked in favor of a less original fly-by-night Washington think-tank sudden specialist. It’s easier to conform than challenge. Second, there’s pressure to secure funding. A lot of funding comes from the government. Challenge government policy and you’re banned from 1.5 track conferences and funding until the government changes hands. Then there’s think-tank and institutional funding—well line up and make sure your research record fits the liberal-internationalist corporate funding criteria. In academia, originality is praised in theory but penalized in practice. A blog is different. It is a place to think aloud, test arguments, make mistakes, connect ideas that would never survive peer review, and write for curious readers rather than anonymous referees. Use language as you see fit. F@ck it!!! It’s a free space to think. In many ways, it is the closest an academic can come to rediscovering the freedom that first drew them into scholarship. It’s a place to be creative and tell stories. Plus, it fills time while you commute on the subway or the bus. Why have a website and a blog if you’re not going to do it on a social platform like Medium, Ghost, or Substack, and then promote the crap out of it on social media, like X (Twitter,) LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Threads? It’s a question I struggled with for a while. You can read more about my final decision here: [[2026-11-01 Goodbye social media - hello cyberpunk |Goodbye social media - hello cyberpunk]]. ## Write a guest post I’m happy to accept guest posts. The only real requirements are creativity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to say shite on regional or international affairs that can’t be said elsewhere. If you’re tired of reading repetitive dribble on *Foreign Affairs* and they rejected your last submission because you didn’t toe the line, then all the better. If you’re tired of hearing the speaking-head claptrap on CNN and know they’re spinning shite, then all the better. Be daring, upset people, and challenge the mainstream. I cannot guarantee that your post will reach a bevy of eager subscribers or even two very angry readers. Any contribution will be merely sitting here at Junotane in the chance that there's at least one prominent reader who cares. From experience, there are a few who turn up! That's the risk you take writing in the darkest corners of the IR internet. All that it requires is around 800 words and a short bio intro with any links you want put down. There’s a writing guide available if you want to [[2026-06-21 Write a guest post! |write a guest post]]. If you’re keen, don’t hesitate to get in [[Contact |contact]]. ## About the Site This site is independently authored and published using [Obsidian Publish](https://obsidian.md/publish). All views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not represent any institutions, employers, or affiliated organisations. Content is provided for general informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional advice. **Privacy and Analytics** This site does not employ fingerprinting, advertising trackers, or data-selling services. Obsidian Publish itself does not add additional third-party tracking scripts. Minimal server logs may be retained by the hosting provider for operational security. All site traffic is served via HTTPS, and industry-standard security measures are used to minimize data exposure and maintain a safe browsing environment. **Copyright and License** All original written and visual content on this site is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No-Derivatives 4.0 International License ([CC BY-NC-ND 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)). You are welcome to share material from this site in any medium or format, provided appropriate credit is given and the material is not used for commercial purposes or altered in any way. This licence is intended to enable broad distribution while protecting the integrity of the work and the intent of its author. ***