“Autocracy is an obsolete form of rule.. And therefore this form of rule and the Orthodoxy connected to it can be supported, as it is today, only through violence, excessive security measures, administrative exiles, executions, religious persecutions, the banning of books and newspapers, warped education and all sorts of evil and cruel acts.”

Tolstoy to Tsar Nicholas II, Letter,  1901

Lev Tolstoi I Russki Tsari, Moscow, 1995, pp. 106-7

Latest Papers

The working papers collection comprises historical papers as well as current ideas and works in progress on some of the major issues and topics of our times.

The Future of Success: An Interview with Bob Reich (released 18 July 2006)
Bob Reich enjoyed this meeting with Indigenous Australian leaders. It was a great occasion in Cairns with Noel and Gerhardt Pearson.
» more
Previously unpublished written notes on the eve of Mark Latham's elevation to the leadership (released 18 July 2006)
Unpublished and unedited written notes in the lead up to the Federal caucus vote which would install Mark Latham as leader of the ALP.
» more
Maxine McKew interviews Peter Botsman on the Labor leadership, 2005 (released 18 July 2006)
Broadcast: 20/01/2005, Time for young blood: Botsman, Reporter: Matt Peacock, Interviewer Maxine McKew, 7.30 Report
» more
Pathways to the Enterprise State (released 18 July 2006)
This 31,000 word, 60 page report, published as a pdf document, was written in 2003 for a Federal Government department.
» more
Capacity Paradox (released 18 July 2006)
Extract: Age of Abstraction: Perils and Possibilities of our Time, work in progress
» more
Policing Anxiety (released 13 July 2006)
The effect of the western world's response to terrorism.
» more
Lifting Indigenous Employment (released 12 July 2006)
Discussion of the imperative to increase Indigenous employment. (5,024 words)
» more
The politician as community catalyst: A conversation with Kevin Rudd (released 11 July 2006)
A conversation with Kevin Rudd recorded 9 February, 2006 at Parliament House in Canberra
» more
Simon's Struggle (released 11 July 2006)
A version of this article on Simon Crean's pre-selection battle in Victoria was published as "Friction from the Factions", Courier Mail, 08/03/2006
» more
Opinion Editorial Financial Review 6 Jan 2006 (released 11 July 2006)
A call for reconciliation with Australia's Aboriginal nations.
» more

Pages