With almost 90 million members, the Communist Party of China is the world's largest ruling party. Next week the party will hold its 19th congress to choose its leadership and set its policy agenda for the next five years. In this film, Ryan Manuel explores what will be discussed at this high-stakes meeting and its long-term international implications.

As more allegations regarding Harvey Weinstein's behaviour towards actresses, models and other women in the film industry emerge, Bianca Fileborn explains the wide range of barriers that prevent victim-survivors of sexual violence from disclosing their experiences.

Scientists are dreaming of – and working towards – putting life on Mars. But what laws would govern pioneers heading to the red planet in coming decades? Gbenga Oduntan says space law has always supported the position that objects and stations placed on celestial bodies are to remain under national ownership, jurisdiction and control. How could this play out on Mars?

Read on for more of the best of The Conversation's international coverage from the past week.