China’s strategy & Australia’s future in a new global order

Former Australian Ambassador to China Dr Geoff Raby in a new book, China’s grand strategy and Australia’s future in the new global order (Melbourne University Publishing), writes that Australia faces an ever more precarious position in the world.

An apparent ending of the ‘end of history’ – heralded by the rise of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the US’ swing towards ‘America First’ and increased political fragmentation in Europe – risks eroding norms on human rights, the rule of law, free media and global institutions, posing an unprecedented challenge to the comparatively benign geopolitical environment that has underpinned Australia’s prosperity in recent decades.

What is the likely trajectory of Australia’s relationship with the PRC? How should Australia position itself amid the shifting sands of its new geopolitical environment? How should Australia assess its international environment, and what might a realistic foreign policy agenda look like for Australia? How should Australia pursue diplomacy, including when it comes to countries with opposing principles?

Dr Raby will join Professor James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS:ACRI), in conversation in an online webinar launching his new book to discuss these questions and more. This discussion will be followed by audience Q&A.

Dr Raby's book _China’s grand strategy and Australia’s future in the new global order _is available for pre-order.

Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm AEDT

About the speaker

Geoff Raby

Dr Geoff Raby is Chairman and Founder of Geoff Raby and Associates, a Beijing-based corporate advisory firm providing strategic advice and analysis on China. He is an Independent Non-executive Director of Yancoal and OceanaGold and was also on the Board of Fortescue Metals Group (2011-2017).

He was Australian Ambassador to China (2007–11), DFAT Deputy Secretary responsible for North Asia and for Trade Negotiations (2003–07), APEC Ambassador 2002-03, and Ambassador to the WTO (1998–2001). He was Head of the Trade Policy Issues Division at the OECD (1993–95) in Paris and Head of DFAT’s Trade Negotiations Division (1995–98). He founded and led DFAT’s East Asia Analytical Unit (1991–93).

He also chairs a number of not-for-profit organisations in Australia.