Reports and Submissions
Below is a select list of reports and submissions which the Centre has produced in conjunction with various research centres. The publications address contemporary issues that hinder peaceful relations and social cohesion, and propose structural adjustments to regional and global governance.
All publications are available to order via the Centre Online Payment Form: Publications.
Religion and Culture in Asia Pacific: Violence or Healing?
Joseph A. Camilleri (ed) - ($25)
This collection of essays brings together some of the most important theorists and practitioners of conflict resolution in Asia Pacific. It paints a daunting picture of the great challenge ahead, but at the same time conveys an empowering sense of the enormous resources which the spiritual an ethical traditions of the Asia-Pacific region can bring in response to that challenge.
As Swami Agnivesh, one of the contributors to this volume and perhaps one of India's most charismatic figures remarks:
It is time… for serious, honest reflection. Do Muslims guarantee the religious freedom even of a pagan or an apostate in their counties? Can we Hindus finally abolish the dreadful caste system which degrades one third of our population to near subhuman conditions? Can our Christian leaders accept a strict separation between Church and State…? Can we collectively agree to teach our children a universal morality and refrain from our sectarian indoctrination? And finally, can we give half of humanity, the women, their rightful place in the religious field?
The selection of essays is broken up into six sections: Perspectives on Religion and Culture; Healing Divided Societies; the Role of Islam; Reclaiming Spirituality; Human Rights; Practical Initiatives.
Reimagining the Future: Towards Democratic Governance
Joseph A. Camilleri, Kamal Malhotra and Majid Tehranian - ($20)
The enormous inequities, inefficiencies and dangers of the current system of global governance have made reform both necessary and inevitable. The question is: what kind of reform, at what pace, under whose initiative and with whose participation?
This study proposes various changes to global and regional governance that will address the undemocratic, inefficient and unequal nature of international governance and justice. Despite the tensions and difficulties that will no doubt emerge in the process of implementation, this proposal rests on the conviction that enshrines three distinct yet closely connected principles: human security, political democracy and socio-economic justice.
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.
Globalisation: The Perspective and Experiences of the Religious Traditions of Asia Pacific
Joseph A. Camilleri & Chandra Muzaffar (ed) - ($15)
Globalisation is the buzz word of our time. Its impact is profound. As capital and labour, technology and skills, ideas and values cross boundaries; societies everywhere are undergoing rapid changes, some of which have far reaching implications. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region in particular are right at the heart of this globalisation process.
While there have been numerous meetings on the economic, developmental and technological dimensions of globalisation in recent years, the July 1997 conference organised by the International Movement for a Just World with the co-operation of the International Christian Peace Movement was one of those rare occasions which attempted to examine the impact of globalisation upon religious traditions and cultural communities. In fact, this was the first time that scholars and activists from all the major religions and cultures in Asia Pacific had come.
This book contains all the paper presented at the conference as well as a brief summary of the lively discussion that took place in the workshops.
Securing the Region Post September 11
Michális S. Michael and Larry Marshall - (free)
This report outlines the key findings from the 2005 Nagoya Symposium, which formed part of the project Europe and Asia Between Islam and the West. It recognises that despite the increasing number and depth of cultural exchanges between Asia-Pacific countries, mutual trust and understanding remain fragile.
This report investigates some of the key issues affecting Asia-Pacific relations. These include:
- whether the United States is a problem or a solution to the tensions within the region;
- whether the rise of China will prove peaceful or dangerous;
- the role of Australia and Japan, two 'outsiders' to the Asian region, in facilitating prosperous relations;
- the role of regional and global governance; and
- the constructive role that civil society can play to promote fruitful relations.
This concise document makes several policy recommendations for regional and global organisations, as well governments within the diverse region.
Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry into Multiculturalism in Australia
Prof Joseph A. Camilleri - (free).
In February 2011, the Joint Standing Committee on Migration accepted terms of reference from the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, to inquire into the economic, social and cultural impacts of migration and to make recommendations to maximise the positive benefits of migration.
The Committee held a total of 13 public hearings of evidence for this inquiry, including one at the Centre for Dialogue in Melbourne on 29 March. Further, the Committee received over 450 written submissions from interested persons and organisations.
The submission by the Centre for Dialogue makes several policy recommendations with potential to yield rich returns in respect to Australia’s national priorities.
Download a copy of the Centre's submission to the inquiry [PDF 240KB].
