AIIA

On 29th July 2013, AIIA National President John McCarthy presented a lecture at the University of Tasmania discussing foreign policy for Australia's next Government. The lecture covered various relevant issues including asylum seekers, the Indo-Pacific, the Asian Century and Australia’s new seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Mr John McCarthy suggests that the issue of asylum seekers “has to be the priority of a new government”. In regard to the Indo-Pacific, “the appointment of a full Minister for Pacific Affairs –reporting to the Foreign Minister - would send the right signals about Australian political attention and commitment.” And Mr John McCarthy also believes “the decision to seek election to the Security Council was the right one. We are a middle power and should look to play our part in the international system –whatever its faults.”

In this stimulating talk MJ Akbar, one of India's most prominent and influential journalists and prodigious author, discussed India's relations with Australia and the region more generally.

Recording of presentation by Professor Ian Harper, Partner Deloitte Access Economics on 'Challenges for the Global Economy in 2012,' at Dyason House, Thursday 16th February, 2012. Professor Harper will assist us to understand better the prospects for the global economy in 2012, Australia's risks and responsibilities as a medium-sized economy and an influential voice in the G20, and the policy options available to politicians, central banks and global institutions.

Audio recording of the presentation by Prof. Michael L'Estrange AO on Wednesday the 7th of December 2011 at Morgans @ 401. Professor L'Estrange discusses the emerging international security environment and the growing challenges for Australia's national security.

Audio recording of Mr Michael Angwin's presentation on Wednesday the 8th of February 2012 at AIIA Victoria Dyason House. Mr Angwin discusses the maturing debate on Uranium and the themes and issues surrounding the nuclear power.

“More tears are shed over answered prayers than over unanswered ones” (Saint Teresa)     A little under a year ago a Tunisian fruit vendor self immolated in protest against the activities of the Tunisian police in confiscating his unlicenced vegetable cart.  This was the spark which ignited a wave of revolt in Tunisia which soon spread to Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria, taking with it along the way the Presidents of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.  President Assad of Syria is under increasing pressure, and unrest has the capacity to destabilize governments from Morocco to the Gulf, and from Iran to Saudi Arabia and beyond. What will these changes bring, particularly when the new governments prove unable to provide jobs and increased prosperity for their people (as they most likely will)?  What role will Islamic parties play and how will their influence affect the prospects for secular democracy?  How will it affect the core Palestinian conflict?  Dr Totman will discuss these and other aspects of recent developments in this most sensitive of regions. Dr Totman is the Associate Head of School (Academic Programs and Development) and the Convener of the Middle East Studies program at Deakin University.  She joined Deakin in February 2007 having taught Middle East politics, international relations, and Australian foreign policy at Macquarie University in Sydney for 9 years.  She is the author of several books and articles on the Middle East and is a frequent commentator for, and contributor on, a wide range of issues relating to the Middle East for various radio, television and print media groups.