{"title":"Allan Behm","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the incisive works of Allan Behm, a respected figure in the realm of \u003cem\u003ePolitics \u0026amp; Current Affairs\u003c\/em\u003e. Known for his comprehensive analysis and informed perspectives, Behm crafts compelling narratives that delve into Australia's position on the global stage. His writings are essential for those interested in understanding the evolving dynamics of international relations and Australia's role within them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of Behm's notable works, \u003cem\u003eNo Enemies, No Friends: Restoring Australia's Global Relevance\u003c\/em\u003e, offers a thought-provoking examination of Australia's diplomatic strategies and its quest for global significance. Through meticulous research and analysis, Behm unravels the complexities of international diplomacy and the crucial steps Australia needs to undertake to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnother intriguing title, \u003cem\u003eThe Odd Couple\u003c\/em\u003e, showcases Behm's ability to navigate and elucidate the intricate alliances and relationships that shape global politics. This book provides invaluable insights for anyone keen on exploring the subtleties of international collaborations and conflicts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAllan Behm's works are indispensable resources for readers passionate about political strategy and global affairs, promising to enrich their understanding with every page.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"no-enemies-no-friends-restoring-australias-global-relevance-by-allan-behm-9780645248029","title":"No Enemies, No Friends: Restoring Australia's Global Relevance","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow can Australia recalibrate its national security settings to meet future demands amid global disruption? Policy expert Allan Behm offers practical ideas, imbued with optimism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIs increased defence spending all that Australia needs to ensure its national security? How well placed are we to deal with global shocks and surprises? How should Australia recalibrate its national security settings to deal with global disruption?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on thirty years of experience as a senior government adviser on foreign policy, Allan Behm explores the thinking behind Australia's security approach and how it's been shaped by Australia's cultural and historical experiences. He argues that our mindset is built around pathologies—racism, misogyny, isolation, insecurity, a brashness that masks a deep lack of self-confidence, and the perverse effects of the cultural cringe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNo Enemies, No Friends\u003c\/em\u003e doesn't just show why Australia has become so good at getting things so wrong. Rather, Behm offers practical policy ideas, imbued with optimism, arguing we have every capability to improve. We need to maintain a credible defence force and invest in diplomacy to reduce our dependence on military force and defence alliances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eForward-looking, this is a meditation on how to approach international affairs with sure-footedness in a less predictable world. This is crucial for maintaining Australia's long-term security and establishing the nation's confidence to become a significant international actor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46849588330732,"sku":"9780645248029","price":37.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/19925863482417.jpg?v=1759054888"},{"product_id":"the-odd-couple-by-allan-behm-9780645247992","title":"The Odd Couple","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA set of provocative ideas about recalibrating the relationship between Australia and the USA to deliver peace and prosperity rather than conflict and disharmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmerica matters. Australia matters. They matter to each other. They matter to the world. Their institutional and structural alignments are deep and powerful. Americans believe in themselves. Australians believe in each other. They are mates. They are gregarious. Americans are single-minded and ambitious. Success is the reward for effort. Australians are happy-go-lucky. They do not push themselves too hard. Americans honour success. Australians cut down tall poppies. Both are brash.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere are also many contrasts. America is religious. Australia is secular. Curiously, their differences help to explain why they are so close - and why their relationship is so superficial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey share interests - they like winning and being in charge; they like wealth, and they like being liked. They like condescension and excluding people they do not like. 'National security' is a major shared interest. So is racism. America's (and Australia's) recent wars have all been against non-whites. Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan are worse off for the wars we fought. So are we.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the political rhetoric, America and Australians do not share values. They do not share the values of equality, inclusion, respect, tolerance, and trust. They do share a pervasive sense of insecurity. America supports a gun and war culture regardless of the costs, and Australia supports American adventurism unconditionally. Their focus on security emphasises war, not peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmerica is floundering and appears to have lost its way. It needs friends that advise and encourage. As rich and powerful first-world nations, America and Australia share a problem - how to recalibrate their relationship to deliver peace and prosperity rather than conflict and disharmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eThe Odd Couple\u003c\/em\u003e, Allan Behm suggests ways that America and Australia can transcend military glitz to strengthen well-being and human security worldwide. America needs a friend, not a flunkey, and Australia may become its best ally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46850343076076,"sku":"9780645247992","price":37.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/19925493482417.jpg?v=1759083350"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/allan-behm.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}