Recent elections have raised deep concerns not only about the future of democracy but also the peace and security for millions of people across the world. We face an uncertain and challenging future with a frightening new arms race funded by slashing aid to the poorest and displaced. Our democratic institutions that have guided us since the end of World War II are suffering from a loss of trust and funds. Australia is not immune.

Are we entering a period of increased international conflict at the very time we need enhanced cooperation to arrest climate disruption and the threat of further pandemics?

Are peace and democracy on life support or do they just need a good shot in the arm to restore energy and vitality? How do we strengthen our democracy?

Speakers:

William Maley
Emeritus Professor William Maley served as Professor of Diplomacy at the ANU from 2003-2021 and was Foundation Director of the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy from 1 July 2003 to 31 December 2014. He is an Australian lawyer, Chair of the Refugee Council of Australia, and has published widely on diplomacy and international relations, Afghan politics, and refugees.
His most recent book Australia: The Politics of Degraded Democracy argues that while Australia is not facing a crisis of democracy, the functioning of its political system has degraded markedly in recent decades.

Julie Macken
Dr Julie Macken has worked as an investigative journalist with The Australian Financial Review, a political consultant to both Federal Labor and the NSW Greens, held senior positions with Greenpeace, ActionAid and has recently graduated with a doctorate that examined the reasons behind Australia’s abuse and occasional torture of asylum seekers.
Her forthcoming book, Australia’s schism in the soul: colonisation, asylum seekers and a nation’s failure to mourn, tracks the psychological devolution of White Australia since colonisation – a state she describes as paranoid/schizoid, melancholic. She argues both peace and democracy demand a relationship with reality that the relaxed and comfortable Australia has forgone.