Australia's Asian Destiny.
Australia's so-called good fortune - an abundance of natural resources, the privileges of Anglo-American leadership and the proximity of Asia's rapidly expanding markets - exercises a subtle tyranny over the way we interact with our northern neighbours. In effect, outdated thinking is short-sheeting the Australian intellect. Reactive and ineffectual in the face of the resurgent wealth of Asian communities, otherwise capable, innovative and creative Australians continue to be stifled by a worldview born of another era.
The key to Asian countries' astounding capacity to build cultural and economic wealth and security lies in their adherence to Confucian traditions. If Australia does not shake off its complacency and open itself to Asian ways of thinking and doing, it will be left behind. ASEAN nations will not accept a freeloader or a member who sets itself apart from the rest. Australians would do well to consider carefully their position. In depth and detail, this book therefore addresses vital issues affecting Australia's immediate future.
