The current state of global affairs in light of the pandemic has raised questions on how international relations may change in the post-COVID 19 world. It is essential to speculate how Australia’s role and relations with its friends may evolve in these times.

Dennis Richardson AC has been one of Australia’s most experienced and respected public servants. In a career spanning almost five decades he served in many important roles including Secretary of the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ambassador to the United States, Director-General of ASIO, and Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Since retiring in 2017, he was appointed by the Australian Government to conduct a Comprehensive Review of Australian Intelligence Legislation.

Allan Gyngell AO is the National President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs. He is an honorary professor with the Australian National University’s College of Asia and the Pacific and was most recently Director of the ANU Crawford Leadership Forum. He has had an extensive career in Australian international affairs, serving as Director-General of the Australian Office of National Assessments, founding Executive Director of the Lowy Institute, as a diplomat and as Senior Advisor (International) to Prime Minister Paul Keating. His most recent book is Fear of Abandonment: Australia in the World Since 1942.