Meet the author - Hugh White in conversation with Allegra Spender

Hugh White will be in conversation with Allegra Spender on his new book Hard New World Our Post-American Future, examining Australia's place in the new global landscape. Are we ready for our post-American future? In an era of rising danger for all, and dramatic choices for Australia, Hugh White explores how the world is changing and Australia should respond.

Under Donald Trump, America's retreat from global leadership has been swift and erratic. China, Russia and India are on the move. White explains the big strategic trends driving the war in Ukraine, and why America has 'lost' Asia. He discusses Albanese Labor's record and why complacency about the American alliance - including AUKUS - is no longer an option. This brilliant short book urges us to navigate a hard new world with realism and confidence.This is a thoroughly updated and significantly expanded edition of the bestselling Quarterly Essay, published in 2025.