Alexander Downer: Leadership Between Allies and the Region

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Launch of the newly released A Step to the Right: The Life and Times of Alexander Downer by Tony Parkinson

Join us on Thursday, 5 February in Sydney as we welcome the Hon. Alexander Downer AC for the launch of A Step to the Right: The Life and Times of Alexander Downer, the first comprehensive biography of Australia’s longest-serving foreign minister and one of the most influential figures in modern Australian diplomacy, written by Tony Parkinson.

Written by award-winning journalist and former senior adviser Tony Parkinson, this book traces Alexander Downer’s remarkable political journey, from his childhood in the Adelaide Hills and early encounters with power in Canberra, to nearly twelve years navigating the world’s most complex diplomatic fault lines as foreign minister.

In conversation with author Tony Parkinson and Alexander Downer, moderated by CIS Executive Director Michael Stutchbury, the discussion will reflect on leadership, diplomacy, and Australia’s place in the world, drawing on moments from the book.

The evening promises a wide-ranging and candid conversation about politics, diplomacy and leadership, offering lessons from recent history that resonate well beyond Canberra.

Book launch followed by author discussion and audience Q&A, drinks available and included in your purchase. Books are available for purchase via humanatix with booking, and on the night.​​​​​​​​​

Alexander Downer served as Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1996 to 2007 and was high commissioner in Britain.

Tony Parkinson is a former journalist and adviser, and the author of A Step to the Right: The Life and Times of Alexander Downer.

Michael Stutchbury is Executive Director of the Centre for Independent Studies