About

Geopolitics, Ink, and Everything in Between

The Geopolitics: Australia, West & Central Asia

My interest in geopolitics stems from a belief that Australia’s foreign policy is often misunderstood, both at home and abroad. While our attention is frequently drawn to the Pacific and our traditional alliances, I believe the shifting dynamics of West and Central Asia—from the Caucuses to the Caspian, from the Middle East to the heart of Eurasia—are of critical and growing importance to our national interest.

On this blog, I will comment on:

• Australian Foreign Policy: Critical analysis of Canberra's diplomatic, economic, and security strategies from an anti colonial perspective. 

• The United States and West Asian Geopolitics: Examining the complex interplay of regional powers, energy politics, and historical tensions from an anti imperialist and anti Zionist perspective.

• Central Asian Dynamics: Exploring the "Great Game" of the 21st century, focusing on the influence of Russia, China, and the West in the region.

• The Intersection: How events in these regions directly impact Australia's security, trade, and identity.

The Artist's Journey: Pen, Ink & Caricature

The other half of my life is dedicated to the pursuit of visual storytelling through pen and ink. I am a student of the craft, constantly learning and experimenting.

Here, I will share my "artist adventures," including:

• Pen and Ink Illustration: My sketchbook explorations, studies in hatching and cross-hatching, and completed works. I’ll share my process, from initial concept to final inked line.

• Learning Caricature: The art of the exaggerated likeness. This is a new and challenging discipline for me. I’ll be posting my practice sketches, studies of famous faces, and the lessons I learn (often the hard way) about capturing personality and humour.

• The Process: Posts about the tools I use, the techniques I’m trying to master, and the challenges and triumphs of being a self-taught artist.

This is not a showcase of perfection, but a log of a journey. Expect to see wobbly lines, failed attempts, and the occasional breakthrough.

Why These Two?

It may seem like an odd pairing, but I find that the two disciplines inform each other.

Geopolitics requires an eye for detail, an understanding of structure, and the ability to see the big picture from disparate parts. Art requires discipline, patience, and a deep observation of the human condition.

Both are, at their core, about trying to make sense of the world—one through analysis and words, the other through observation and lines.

A Little More About Me

Inuecs Oparlias is a semi-retired blue collar worker based in Australia's tropical north. When not analysing the news or hunched over a drawing board, you can find him learning languages, cycling and going for long walks while listening to geopolitical podcasts.

Connect & Follow

I’m always happy to engage in respectful discussion. You can connect with me or follow my work on:

• Twitter/X: @oparlias

• Instagram: @hyuwia7

• Email: oparliasadmin(at)duck(dot)com

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you find something here that informs, entertains, or inspires you.