COMMENT: Political rancour, social division and threats posed by "alien" ideologies have sparked widespread unease in the United States before.

The world won't end if Donald Trump is elected President of the United States, a leading New Zealand political scientist says.

Hillary Clinton and the Democrats plan to project a more optimistic and inclusive vision of the future when they convene in Philadelphia tomorrow.

The Republican Party in the United States conferred its nomination for President on a man of doubtful political pedigree and unpredictable intentions.

The US severed military and intelligence ties with New Zealand.

Schwartz had much to celebrate.

America's top regional naval commander has discussed history-making plans for a US ship visit with Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee.

Hillary Clinton has chosen Sen. Timothy M. Kaine as her vice presidential pick.

Plagiarism is bad form. Campuses throw out undergraduates caught cribbing lines. But that's not the way it works in Donald Trump's world.

COMMENT: Donald Trump: Hello, Cleveland! Now excuse me while I go backstage and try to find some pants.

The contest to find the next Secretary General of the United Nations "is a marathon, not a sprint," says Foreign Minister Murray McCully

In both theme and target audience, Trump offered a powerful echo of Richard Nixon almost 50 years ago.

Donald Trump's speech accepting the Republican nomination focused heavily on threats to the country from crime, terrorism and immigrants.

Donald Trump "humbly and gratefully" accepted the GOP nomination as the presidential candidate today.

A tiny border wall, complete with US flags, razor wire and "keep out" signs appeared around Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week.

COMMENT: Donald Trump has left himself with a mighty challenge for the final day of the Republican National Convention.

Trump has called into question whether, as president, he would give Nato the assurance that the full force of the US military has their back.

A United States ship visit is something for New Zealand to celebrate, but don't be blowing a trumpet about it or the Americans might be offended.

COMMENT: There is no doubt that Isis is barbaric, but so are the military responses of the West that contributed to its creation in the first place.

A US ship visit is something for New Zealand to celebrate, but don't be blowing a trumpet about it or the Americans might be offended, writes Audrey Young.

John Key says he is pleased the US has accepted invitation to send a ship, but that our anti-nuclear law means it could be weeks before visit is confirmed.

According to an anonymous staffer, Donald Trump wants a VP who will do the hard yards so he can take a back seat.

Biden said the US and New Zealand had a vested interest in ensuring continued growth, stability and economic prosperity through the region "and I think we are better equipped to do that when we stand side by side to advance our mutual interests".

Celebrity mogul Donald Trump has achieved a landmark moment in American political history, completing his unlikely conquest of the Republican Party.

COMMENT: It's official. Donald Trump - yes, that one, the one from TV - is legit running for President.

As students of comparative civil-military relations, we were surprised to read the Herald's editorial, "Coup's failure hopeful sign for democracy."

The big rallies and marches in Cleveland have been relatively orderly this week save for a simultaneous proliferation of ad hoc protests.

COMMENT: As Britain's new Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson ponders a worldwide tour, NZ can stand proud as the only country he has not offended.

COMMENT: Donald Trump is adding fuel to Wall Street anxiety about his candidacy, jabbing directly at big banks this week with new language.