As the axis of global power spins back towards Asia and the Pacific, is Australia well-placed to react to a rapidly-shifting world? Are we doing all we can to meet the challenges and opportunities in this ‘Asian century’, and how might we strengthen our place in our own neighbourhood? Does Australia even matter, are we punching above our weight or are we an insignificant quantity sinking in the tides of change? The inaugural Australia 360 conference sought to answer those questions while asking even harder ones. It delivered a no-holds barred, full and frank assessment of a hitherto ‘unknown country’ both domestically and on the world stage.

This one-day seminar represents the nation’s only in-depth annual stocktake and forecast of international policy, presented by Australia’s leading centre for international relations, diplomacy and our place in the region, the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs.

Bringing together leading researchers, thinkers and practitioners, panels covered Australia’s political, security and economic realities; its key relationships across the Asia Pacific region; our prospects for the future; and what policies are urgently needed to get us there. Speakers for the annual event’s inaugural edition included Bell School Director and Professor of International Relations Michael Wesley, national security expert Rory Medcalf, defence analyst Hugh White, diplomacy scholar William Maley, Southeast Asia and Indonesia watcher Greg Fealy, US foreign policy specialist Bill Tow, former RBA board member Warwick McKibbin, and the Australian Financial Review’s Laura Tingle.

Australia 360 is a free and accessible event perfect for media, the government and policy community, diplomatic core, students and graduates, and the general public who seek a deeper understanding and insight into a complex global world and Australia’s position in it.

Access the conference program above right on this page under 'Attachments'