The Curious Diplomat

From India to the Info-Pacific, a riveting insider's account of diplomacy and politics, and Australia's position in the world.

Lachlan Strahan spent his career as a diplomat and an ambassador in some of Australia's most important postings, including India, Germany, Korea and Solomon Islands. He was involved in some of Australia's biggest diplomatic challenges, from the spate of violence against Indian students in Australia to weapons discussions to Australia's interests at the United Nations.

Working with prime ministers and foreign affairs ministers including Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, Gareth Evans, Alexander Downer, Marise Payne and Penny Wong, Strahan had a unique insight into Australia's foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific and beyond for more than three decades. In this lively account, Strahan reveals how Canberra sees Australia and how our allies and adversaries see us, and offers a valuable perspective on what Australia can do to supercharge our relationships in the Indo-Pacific.

Praise for Justice in Kelly Country, shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Award for History 2023

'This is a fascinating and original history, taut and suspenseful, written with subtlety and flair.' Tom Griffiths

'Lachlan Strahan brings to life a lost world of rural Victoria in the era of gold-seeking, free selection and bushranging.' Frank Bongiorno

'...a fascinating book.' Eureka Street

'a rewarding, yet unusual retelling of the Ned Kelly story.' History News

'A brilliant and original window into the Kelly Outbreak of the hunter rather than just the hunted.' Janet McCalman

About the Author

Lachlan Strahan is a historian and former diplomat. His book Australia’s China has become a key work on Australia–China relations. His account of a series of crimes in Papua New Guinea, Day of Reckoning, was shortlisted for the 2006 NSW Premier’s Australian History Prize, and his most recent book, Justice in Kelly Country, was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Award for History.