Matthew Blainey

Guest Author

Matthew Blainey is an international lawyer and a Policy Analyst at Security Council Report, where he covers legal issues, Afghanistan, Myanmar, the DPRK, Central Asia, and counter-terrorism. Prior to joining Security Council Report, he worked in the litigation teams at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and Allens and served as a judge’s associate. He holds a Master of Laws in International Legal Studies from NYU School of Law, as well as a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of International Relations from La Trobe University. He is admitted to practice in New York and Australia.

Articles by this author:

First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky (R) speaks at a Security Council meeting on Ukraine at the United Nations in New York on September 23, 2025. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

The United Nations in Hindsight: The Increasing Use of Article 51 of the UN Charter and the Security Council

Sep. 30, 2025 Matthew Blainey