Australian Perspectives on Southeast Asia, The United States and The World

Joseph A. Camilleri, Joel S. Kahn, Peter Murphy — ($20)

This publication was released to celebrate the inauguration of The Philippines-Australia Studies Network (PASN), a joint partnership between Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines, and La Trobe University, Australia. The volume features three keynote lectures delivered during the PASN's launch.

Joel S. Kahn interrogates the premise of difference that is said to define Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, a premise that informs governance but delimits tolerance and cosmopolitanism. Prof Joseph A. Camilleri focuses on the diminishing capacity of the United States to shape the world in its own image or interests, and emphasizes the need for a dialogue of civilisations. Peter Murphy discusses the peculiar rationality and political economy o littoral societies in contrast to Eurasian states, and posits that Australia's coastal dwellers epitomize littoral societies.