Blind Spot

Southeast Asia and Australia's Future; Quarterly Essay 101

By: Michael Wesley

Write A Review

Paperback | 16 March 2026

At a Glance

Format
Paperback

Dimensions(cm)
23.3 x 16.7 x 1.6

Paperback

RRP $29.99

$24.99

17%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $6.25 with

In Stock and Ships next day

Southeast Asia has never been more important to Australia - and Australia has never been more alienated from Southeast Asia and with so little idea of what to do about it.

For Australia, the region holds the key to our security and prosperity. Yet as a society we have never fully grasped its importance. Our gaze has vaulted over Southeast Asia towards Northeast Asia's industrial giants, and now towards a rising India. Yet Southeast Asia is where the future world order will be decided - the place where China's bid for regional power will succeed or fail.

This illuminating, original essay reveals Australia's blind spot. What do we need to know about Southeast Asia? What has our foreign policy elite's subservience to the United States stopped us from seeing and doing? What do our neighbours have to tell us, if only we could hear? This is an essay about values, imagination and a new way of seeing ourselves.

About the Author

Michael Wesley's books include There Goes the Neighbourhood- Australia and the Rise of Asia and Mind of the Nation- Universities in Australian Life. He is Professor of Politics and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) at the University of Melbourne and was formerly head of the Lowy Institute and dean of ANU's College of Asia and the Pacific.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $89.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.