True Believer: John Howard, George Bush and the American alliance

When John Howard stood in a press conference at Washington’s Willard Hotel just after the planes crashed into the Twin Towers on September 11, he knew exactly what to do. Australia would quickly pledge support for its great and powerful friend.

In True Believer, Robert Garran examines Howard’s unswerving belief in the radical and dangerous doctrines of George W Bush. He argues that in his eagerness to join Bush in his war in Iraq, Howard failed to comprehend the perils. More than that, Howard has hijacked Australia’s national story with his conservative nationalism - and is now using that story to take Australia on a dangerous journey.

With debate on the US alliance set to continue and with many Australians seeking a strong alternative to Howard’s risky position, True Believer is both timely and thought-provoking.