BOOK LAUNCH: Turbulence and Volatility: Australia's Foreign Aid and Security

In an increasingly contested world between the emerging powers of the Indo-Pacific and the growing sentiment of anti-globalisation, Australian foreign policy has recently been revised in order to evolve with the rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Underpinning Australia’s foreign policy is the pillar of foreign aid, a critical tool that exercises Australia’s leadership in the region while promoting a vision of prosperity and stability. The Indo-Pacific region remains at the fulcrum of Australia’s aid program, spending more than 90% within neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. At the heart of Australia’s foreign policy and aid approach is the ambition to promote prosperity, reduce poverty and enhance stability. With the growing tides of anti-globalisation and the manifestation of a new world order, however, will Australia’s foreign aid strategy remain relevant? What will the geopolitical landscape look like in the coming year and will Australia’s foreign aid continue to make a significant impact on the lives on the ground? Will foreign aid still remain a crucial part of Australia’s foreign policy strategy in an attempt to pursue its vision and ambitions? Join the Perth USAsia Centre, the City of Perth Library and the McCusker Centre for Citizenship to explore the significance of Australia’s foreign aid amidst a turbulent and volatile geopolitical environment in the coming year.