A Big Dialogue: Globalisation - Gone For Good?

A Big Dialogue: Globalisation - Gone For Good?

Presented by Burgmann College, ANU, in association with Australian Dialogues

Please join us for dinner and dialogue discussing the changing nature of globalisation and its role in shaping Australia's future. There seems to be a consensus that the postwar globalist economic order is breaking down, or has broken down already. You may know it by different names: the liberal international order, the Washington Consensus or neoliberalism. Whether you are a critic or champion, there aren’t too many bigger issues shaping the political, economic and social lives of everyday Australians.

There is always room to challenge a consensus of course, but there is little doubt that the imperfect project of relative peace, increasingly freer trade and the expansion of rules-based international institutions, especially since the end of the Cold War, has produced an explosion of prosperity globally and the lifting of large populations out of abject poverty, China being the prime example of many. There have also been casualties, in all countries.

The question of whether it has broken down completely, or not, leads to others: “What is driving the apparent breakdown?” and “What will and should come next?”

These are the questions that might be addressed from three distinct viewpoints represented by leading economic experts at the first Big Dialogue at Burgmann College. We look forward to hearing other perspectives that will no doubt emerge from the discussion across dinner tables.

This dinner and dialogue event is a unique opportunity to hear diverse speakers engage rigorously and civilly on issues that affect everyone. Whether you are a student, alum, academic, policymaker, business or community leader, or simply a citizen who cares about Australia's place in a changing world, join us for an enlightening and enjoyable evening, dinner and refreshments included.

The Big Dialogue format has been developed over the last six years to demonstrate that difficult, complex issues can still be discussed frankly, fearlessly and civilly, in a non-partisan way, in public, by people of goodwill, in good faith, in pursuit of truth, progress - and better policy and practical outcomes.

The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress. Joseph Joubert

Big Dialogues are long-form public discussions between a small panel of knowledgeable speakers with very different perspectives, expertly moderated, in a congenial, catered environment - exploring differences, seeking common ground and possible agreement on solutions. They have consistently shown that such discussions are not only possible, but actually enlightening and enjoyable!

Past subjects addressed include the China-Australia relationship, climate change, democratic reform, pandemic management, energy transition, cost of living, housing, social media impacts/regulation and constitutional interpretation.

• Guests will be able to submit questions for the speakers by email before the event and by SMS during the dialogue 

• A limited number of people in the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions from the floor

• The table seating mode is congenial for social discussion before and afterwards 

• Come early on your own or with friends, family and colleagues, for informal discussion with other guests

• Review the discussion from the video recording included in the ticket (no live stream)

• Guests will be invited to participate in powerful AI-assisted discussion platform (Sway) to continue the discussion one-on-one with someone of a different view, after the event.

• Really want to get involved? Email the organisers (info@brisbanedialogues.org)

All tickets include dinner, drinks and canapés. Tickets are priced to make the event as accessible as possible, with individual tickets from $20 for students, enabled by the support of the College and the donation of time and expertise of the speakers.

Hard costs of at least $50 per person overall need to be covered, so please consider donating tickets or making a separate donation to keep events accessible and Australian Dialogues independent, expanding and sustainable.

Burgmann College is committed to equity and accessibility. If you would like to attend and require a subsidised ticket, please email monika.popovski@burgmann.anu.edu.au

Burgmann College, Australian National University, founded in 1971 and named after former Anglican Bishop Ernest Henry Burgmann, is one of ANU's leading residential colleges, known for its inclusive, egalitarian ethos and strong sense of community. Burgmann is proud to host this instalment of the Big Dialogue series, continuing its tradition of bringing people together to explore big ideas.

Australian Dialogues is evolving out of The Brisbane Dialogues, Australia's first civil discourse/constructive discussion or "bridging organisation", established in 2020 to model better discussions between people who disagree. Their mission is to support other organisations conduct "across-the-aisle" or viewpoint-diverse dialogues. Activities include the Big Dialogues series, a private monthly discussion group (Tuesday Dialogues) and a schools program (Dialogues @ School). An Advisory Panel of leading Australians has been formed to help expand the Dialogues' network and efforts.