The Department of International Relations warmly invites you to attend a Book Launch by Graeme Dobell of Frank Frost’s book, Engaging the Neighbours: Australia and ASEAN Since 1974.

From modest beginnings in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become the premier regional institution in East Asia. Australia has been interested in ASEAN since its inauguration and was the first country to establish a multilateral link with the Association, in 1974. Australia and ASEAN have subsequently engaged and cooperated on many issues of mutual concern, including efforts to secure an agreement to resolve the Cambodia conflict, the initiation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation grouping and the ASEAN Regional Forum, the conclusion of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, and the development of the East Asia Summit.

Frank Frost’s book provides the first available detailed history of the evolution of Australia’s interactions with ASEAN. It assesses the origins and phases of development of Australia’s relations with ASEAN; the role ASEAN has played in Australian foreign policy since the 1970s; the ways in which the two sides have collaborated, and at times disagreed, in the pursuit of regional stability and security; and the key factors that will influence the relationship as it moves into its fifth decade.

Frank Frost was, until 2012, a senior foreign affairs analyst and research director in the Australian Parliamentary Library, Canberra. His publications include Australia’s War in Vietnam, and a number of articles on ASEAN and Australia-ASEAN relations. He wrote this book as a Visiting Fellow in the Department of International Relations, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, College of Asia and the Pacific, at the ANU.

Graeme Dobell, a journalist for 45 years, has been reporting on Australian and international politics, foreign affairs and defence, and the Asia Pacific since 1975. He is Journalist Fellow with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, writing for ASPI’s blog, The Strategist.

Light refreshments will be served, and copies of the book will be available for purchase in the atrium of the Hedley Bull Building.