Neighbours by Joanne Wallis

A new vision for Australia’s relationship with the Pacific

Australia has a long history in the Pacific. Many Australians might have forgotten it, but the region has not forgotten us.

This book provides a new vision of the way Australia might relate to its Pacific neighbours. It replaces amnesia with storytelling that emphasises common ancestors, interests and language. It replaces Australian ambivalence with recognition, humility and respect. It does not seek to wish away the realities of asymmetry and hierarchy between Australia and Pacific Island countries, but instead outlines how Australia can work more productively within them.

It argues that Australia can only work towards being a better neighbour if it understands its history in the Pacific Islands, and the ideas that have guided its foreign policy in the region for the last two centuries. Tracing the many dimensions of that past engagement, it provides an up-to-date account, written by two highly experienced experts. In doing so it presents a new vision for our wonderfully diverse region.

About the Author: Joanne Wallis is a professor of international security at the University of Adelaide. Joanne has been a visiting scholar at the Department of Defence’s Australian Civil Military Centre and regularly briefs government agencies, consults for both the government and private sector, and participates in international strategic dialogues. She is the author of several books on politics and international relations.

Jack Corbett is Professor and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Monash University. This is his twelfth book. Previous titles include Being Political- Leadership and Democracy in the Pacific Islands; Australia’s Foreign Aid Dilemma- Humanitarian Aspirations Confront Democratic Legitimacy; and Statehood la Carte in the Caribbean and the Pacific- Secession, Regionalism and Postcolonial Politics.

14 Jul 2026
 

Neighbours: Australia and the Pacific by Joanne Wallis ISBN 9781760645571