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Joanne Wallis and Jack Corbett will be in conversation with Lachlan Strahan on their new book Neighbours: Australia and the Pacific, a new vision for Australia¡¯s relationship with the Pacific

Australia has a long history in the Pacific. Many Australians might have forgotten it, but the region has not forgotten us.This book provides a new vision of the way Australia might relate to its Pacific neighbours. It replaces amnesia with storytelling that emphasises common ancestors, interests and language. It replaces Australian ambivalence with recognition, humility and respect. It does not seek to wish away the realities of asymmetry and hierarchy between Australia and Pacific Island countries,but instead outlines how Australia can work more productively within them.

It argues that Australia can only work towards being a better neighbour if it understands its history in the Pacific Islands, and the ideas that have guided its foreign policy in the region for the last two centuries. Tracing the many dimensions of that past engagement, it provides an up-to-date account, written by two highly experienced experts. In doing so it presents a new vision for our wonderfully diverse region.

Joanne Wallis is Professor of International Security and Director of the Stretton Institute Security in the Pacific Islands Research Program at Adelaide University, and a Non-resident Senior Fellow of the Brookings Institution. She is the author or editor of eleven books, including Girt by Sea: Reimagining Australia¡¯s Security, Constitution Making During State Building and Pacific Power? Australia¡¯s Strategy in the Pacific Islands. Joanne was for eight years in the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵStrategic and Defence Studies Centre and was awarded the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵVice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence,.

Jack Corbett is Professor, Politics & International Relations. Vice President of the Academic Board and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Monash University. This is his twelfth book. Previous titles include Being Political: Leadership and Democracy in the Pacific Islands; Australia¡¯s Foreign Aid Dilemma: Humanitarian Aspirations Confront Democratic Legitimacy; and Statehood ? la Carte in the Caribbean and the Pacific: Secession, Regionalism and Postcolonial Politics.

Lachlan Strahan is an historian and former diplomat, who spent his diplomatic career, culminating as High Commissioner, in some of Australia¡¯s most important postings, including India, Germany, Korea and the Solomon Islands. His latest book, The Curious Diplomat, provides a detailed insight into Australia¡¯s foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific and beyond for more than three decades. In it, Strahan reveals what Australia can do to supercharge our relationships in the Indo-Pacific.

The vote of thanks will be given by Allan Behm, Senior Advisor, International & Security Affairs Program at the Australia Institute, Canberra.

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm and again after the event. 
 

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A podcast will be made available after the event.

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