August 13, 2026, 9:04 am
In this discussion, Troy will reflect on how Whitlam reimagined Australia’s place in the world at a pivotal moment in its history. From the recognition of the People’s Republic of China and a more independent engagement with Asia, the Vietnam War and invasion of East Timor, to a recalibration of Australia’s relationship with its traditional allies, the Whitlam Government marked a decisive shift in both the tone and substance of Australian foreign policy.
The conversation will explore the intellectual and political foundations of Whitlam’s international outlook, the domestic and global contexts that enabled it, and the extent to which it represented a departure from earlier approaches. It will also consider how Whitlam’s legacy has shaped the thinking and practice of subsequent prime ministers, particularly in navigating the balance between alliance commitments, regional priorities and Australia’s broader international identity.
At a time of renewed uncertainty in the global order, this discussion offers an opportunity to revisit a formative period in Australian statecraft and to reflect on what Whitlam’s "vista of the new" might suggest for the challenges ahead.
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
