{"title":"Michael Wesley","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eExplore the insightful world of Michael Wesley, a distinguished author known for his profound contributions to the fields of politics, education, and international relations. Through his compelling writing, Wesley invites readers to delve deep into the socio-political landscapes that shape our world.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his notable works is \u003cstrong\u003eBlind Spot\u003c\/strong\u003e, a thought-provoking book that examines global political dynamics and their often-unseen impacts. His analytical prowess shines again in \u003cstrong\u003eHelpem Fren\u003c\/strong\u003e, where he explores international aid and its complexities, offering readers a nuanced perspective on global partnerships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cstrong\u003eMind of the Nation: Universities in Australian Life\u003c\/strong\u003e, Wesley takes an introspective look at the role of higher education in Australia, shedding light on its influence in shaping society. Meanwhile, \u003cstrong\u003eThere Goes the Neighbourhood\u003c\/strong\u003e provides an engaging exploration of international relations, focusing on the changing role of Asia-Pacific nations on the global stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Wesley's books are categorised under \u003cb\u003ePolitics \u0026amp; Current Affairs\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Military\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eEducation \u0026amp; Reference\u003c\/b\u003e. Each title offers a blend of in-depth research and accessible writing, making them a must-read for anyone keen on understanding the finer intricacies of contemporary political and educational issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a student, a professional, or simply a curious reader, Michael Wesley's collection promises a rich and enlightening reading experience that bridges history with modern-day challenges and solutions.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mind-of-the-nation-universities-in-australian-life-by-michael-wesley-9781760643706","title":"Mind of the Nation: Universities in Australian Life","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this thought-provoking and timely examination, academic and writer Michael Wesley asks what Australians really think and how they feel about our universities, and where to next?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1964, Donald Horne wrote in his classic \u003ci\u003eThe Lucky Country\u003c\/i\u003e that, in a sense, 'Australia does not have a mind. Intellectual life exists but . . . has no established relation to practical life.' For Horne, Australia's universities were marginalised; they were places where 'clever men nurse the wounds of public indifference'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSince then, there has been a vast increase in university attendance, but Australians today have mixed feelings about these institutions - a strange blend of antagonism, aspiration and apathy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this eloquent and original book, \u003ci\u003eMind of the Nation: Universities in Australian Life\u003c\/i\u003e, Michael Wesley investigates the forces shaping Australia's universities and their relationship to Australian society. Are universities too commercial? Do they provide value? Are they inclusive? Are they underfunded? What do we want from these institutions, especially post-Covid? Unless a new national vision for higher education is found, Australia's universities could be set for decline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a groundbreaking examination of universities in Australian life - and, more than that, of the 'mind of the nation'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMind of the Nation\u003c\/i\u003e surveys the mixed feelings Australians have for their universities, often part of their lives but rarely their affections. Michael Wesley's thought-provoking book shows how rising and conflicting expectations of universities create controversies that will not go away. — Andrew Norton, professor of higher education policy, ANU\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46354963824876,"sku":"9781760643706","price":41.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781760643706.jpg?v=1744292569"},{"product_id":"helpem-fren-by-michael-wesley-9780522879056","title":"Helpem Fren","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2003, Australia conceived, financed and led a Pacific-wide intervention into Solomon Islands to prevent the collapse of that state. The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was to remain there for fourteen years, costing over $2 billion and involving thousands of soldiers, police and public servants from Australia and across the Pacific. It was remarkably successful in an age of disastrous interventions. And yet, by the time it was withdrawn, RAMSI had largely vanished from the Australian public's mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eHelpem Fren\u003c\/i\u003e is the first comprehensive history of Australia and the RAMSI intervention. Drawing on still-classified official documents and over thirty interviews, it records the preconditions, motivations and dynamics of RAMSI between 2003 and 2017.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProviding an intimate look at the challenges of interventions and development assistance generally, \u003ci\u003eHelpem Fren\u003c\/i\u003e is also a portrait of the personalities involved and the complex interactions between two systems that couldn't be more different in culture, wealth, size and capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Australia confronts the most challenging environment in the Pacific for seventy years, \u003ci\u003eHelpem Fren\u003c\/i\u003e offers readers a deeper understanding of the recent history of Australia's involvement with Solomon Islands and the Pacific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46655226478828,"sku":"9780522879056","price":43.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3925103482374.jpg?v=1752464814"},{"product_id":"there-goes-the-neighbourhood-by-michael-wesley-9781742232720","title":"There Goes the Neighbourhood","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the first time in history, Australia will be uncomfortably close to the designs and demarches of competing great powers. In the years ahead, we will no longer be too small to make a difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn his book, \u003cem\u003eThere Goes the Neighbourhood\u003c\/em\u003e, Wesley points to the key economic and political issues that we need to be considering right now, as a western country geographically and economically tied to Asia, and urgently calls for a renewed public engagement and debate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46850375450860,"sku":"9781742232720","price":93.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/8228883482808.jpg?v=1759085072"},{"product_id":"blind-spot-by-michael-wesley-9781760645793","title":"Blind Spot","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAustralia has forgotten what keeps it safe.\u003c\/em\u003e So argues Michael Wesley in this sharp and compelling essay about our place in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSoutheast Asia is the key to our national security and prosperity. If China dominates the region, as it plans to, Australia will be very vulnerable. So why are we following an American strategy that isolates and alienates us from our neighbours?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWesley argues that the focus on AUKUS and sticking with Trump is a dangerous distraction. Whereas the United States has little at stake in Southeast Asia, Australia has everything to lose. How did our foreign policy elite become so wedded to the US worldview? What do our Southeast Asian neighbours have to tell us, if only we would listen? \u003cem\u003eBlind Spot\u003c\/em\u003e is a gripping essay about strategic folly and the future of our region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"It should be clear that Australia has made the wrong bet—that relying on the US alliance to address the threat of a Chinese-centred Sphere of Deference on its northern doorstep has left it dangerously exposed and unprepared. If anything, Canberra's adherence to the US strategy has led to an increasing divergence of interests and perceptions between Australia and its neighbours. As a consequence, Australia is arguably at an all-time low in its ability to shape events and attitudes in Southeast Asia.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Michael Wesley, \u003cem\u003eBlind Spot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47371050156268,"sku":"9781760645793","price":37.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781760645793.jpg?v=1773206706"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/michael-wesley.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}