A close examination of ports and other infrastructure projects in Indonesia and Australia brings to light a paradox of success for global shipping networks and raises questions about how future infrastructure projects should be funded, built, and eventually managed.

Robert Bowker uses long-secret cabinet notebooks to throw light on Australian political decision-making in the Suez Crisis of 1956, when Prime Minister Menzies took out insurance with a great power partner by giving conspicuous but token support for British action against Egypt, at some cost to Australia’s international reputation.  

Vogel offers a holistic and historical perspective on the relationship between China and Japan. This perspective forms a useful basis to examine the state of modern Sino-Japanese relations.

Pemberton's collection of books offers many competent perspectives on the state of international relations in the post-WWI epoch, with certain and typographical errors undermining its cohesiveness.

Richard Gate's memoirs are a fascinating overview of his overseas postings presented in an episodic fashion. From his upbringing to his posting in post-war South Korea, this book is a realistic portrayal of diplomacy and foreign policy.

Srinivasan, Mayall, and Pulipaka offer a thorough insight into how cultural values, supranational institutions, and ideology influence foreign policymaking.

David Cameron’s memoir appropriately highlights the successes of his Conservative government but is marred by his twisted justifications of the Brexit referendum.

Tim Bowden takes a compassionate yet irreverent look at the experiences of Australian diggers in World War II. Even today, it provides valuable perspectives into the lives of Australian service men and women.

In his book, former Russian Embassy staffer Tony Kevin offers a defence of Russian policy that is a counterpoint to the prevailing Western narrative.

The National President of the AIIA, Allan Gyngell, launched  a new book, Meeting Saddam’s Men: Looking for Iraq’s Weapons of Mass Destruction by Ashton Robinson, at the Australian National University on 25 October. This is an extract from his remarks.