Prof. Richard Broinowski - Australia's Future in Asia

SUMMARY:
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I’m genuinely excited to share this talk by Adjunct Professor Richard Broinowski — a career diplomat and broadcaster — on Australia’s future in Asia. Richard brings decades of on-the-ground experience: postings in Tokyo, Rangoon, Taipei, Manila, Hanoi and Seoul (he was in Korea during the 1988 Olympics), a spell running Radio Australia at the ABC, and later ambassadorships to Mexico and Cuba. In this session he mixes warm, insider anecdotes with frank critique: the limitations of glossy white papers, the oddities of language-policy choices, and what practical, sustained engagement with Asian neighbours actually looks like. He challenges rhetoric that lacks substance and explains how Australians built real relationships — for example, the complex, evolving ties with Japan through the 1960s–70s and the professional skills diplomats use to keep a steady course regardless of political change. This is a thoughtful, candid, often wry briefing from someone who’s seen Australia’s regional relationships up close — ideal for anyone interested in diplomacy, foreign policy, Australia–Asia links and practical ideas for how we should engage our region going forward.

RUMBLE DESCRIPTION:
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If you care about how Australia engages with its nearest region, you’ll want to hear Adj. Prof. Richard Broinowski speak from a lifetime in diplomacy and public service. I filmed this frank, warm and often witty presentation where Richard reflects on Australia’s real relationships across Asia — not the polished slogans, but the practical, sometimes messy work that creates trust and influence. He draws on postings across Tokyo, Rangoon, Taipei, Manila, Hanoi and Seoul (including the 1988 Olympics), his time as General Manager of Radio Australia at the ABC, and later ambassadorial roles.

Richard doesn’t shy away from criticism — he calls out the sterile recycling of ‘white papers’ and questions why policy rhetoric often ignores simple, effective measures (like language choices and sustained person-to-person engagement). He contrasts short-term political posturing with patient, professional diplomacy and offers concrete examples from Japan and other neighbours.

This video is a must-watch for students, public servants, journalists, teachers and anyone who wants a realistic, humane take on Australia’s place in Asia. If you find his perspectives useful, please like, share and comment below — tell us which part of the talk resonated most. Subscribe for more talks like this and follow for updates on future panels and interviews. Your feedback helps shape the conversation about Australia’s future in our region.

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