We are delighted to invite you to hear Geoff Raby in conversation with Michael Wesley, Professor of Politics and Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Melbourne, talking about Quarterly Essay 101: Blind Spot - Southeast Asia and Australia's Future.

Southeast Asia is the key to our national security and prosperity. If China dominates the region, as it plans to, Australia will be very vulnerable. So why are we following an American strategy that isolates and alienates us from our neighbours?

Wesley argues that the focus on AUKUS and sticking with Trump is a dangerous distraction. Whereas the United States has little at stake in Southeast Asia, Australia has everything to lose. How did our foreign policy elite become so wedded to the US worldview? What do our Southeast Asian neighbours have to tell us, if only we would listen? Blind Spot is a gripping essay about strategic folly and the future of our region.

Geoff Raby was Australia’s ambassador to China (2007–11). Since leaving government service he has been a regular columnist on China and Eurasia for The Australian Financial Review, and a non-executive, independent company director. His last book was Great Game On (MUP, 2024). Raby was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019 for services to Australia–China relations and international trade.

Free, but bookings are essential.

Please book here.

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