2026 Robert O'Neill War Studies Lecture: The Transformative War: Australia in the war of 1939–45

The dominance of the Anzac legend in Australia’s political culture has tended to relegate World War II to a secondary place in national memory. So, too, has the ambiguity associated with the overseas operations of Australia’s defence forces in 1939–45. Some of these deployments can be explained only if we employ the insights of the psychology of decision making. Few can be claimed to have been decisive in the defeat of the Axis powers. But if we shift the focus towards the mobilisation of the post-Depression economy for war production, and especially Australia’s support of US troops through Mutual Aid (Lend Lease), it is a different story. Domestically the war transformed Australia in a way that World War I never did. We cannot then fully understand Australia’s war unless the economic and financial narratives—never so popularly appealing but impressive and fundamental—are brought into the mainstream of the national military historiography. Agenda 5-5:30PM - Reception 5.30-7PM - Lecture & Q&A About the speaker Joan Beaumont is Professor Emerita in the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, The Australian National University. She is author of the prize-winning Broken Nation: Australians in the Great War (2013) and Australia’s Great Depression (2022). She is currently writing a comprehensive history of Australia in World War II, which will complete her trilogy of what some might call Australia’s ‘long war’ from 1914-45. About the chair Associate Professor Amy King is Head of the Coral Bell School's Strategic & Defence Studies Centre located within the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. She has published widely on China-Japan relations, the economics-security nexus in Asia, and the role of ideas in International Relations, and currently leads a team researching China's historical and contemporary role in shaping the international economic order. About Robert O'Neill Emeritus Professor Robert O'Neill AO was Head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre from 1971 to 1982. One of the world's leading experts on strategic and security studies, O'Neill previously served as Director, International Institute for Strategic Studies, London (1982-1987); Chichele Professor of the History of War at Oxford University (1987-2000); Chairman of the Council of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (1995-2001); and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Imperial War Museum (1997-2001). In remembrance of his invaluable contributions, it is with great sadness that we note the passing of Emeritus Professor Robert O'Neill AO in 2023, leaving behind a profound legacy in the field of Strategic Studies. The Robert O'Neill War Studies Public Lecture is an annual public event hosted by the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC), Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. The series honors Emeritus Professor Robert O'Neill AO, a leading scholar in strategic studies, former head of SDSC, Chichele Professor at Oxford, and military historian, who passed away in 2023. Additional information: Registration is required for this event. If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email [email protected]. Accessible parking spaces are available around campus should you require them. TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C View more of our upcoming events here, or sign up for our monthly mailing list to stay connected. Linkedin | Facebook | Bluesky | Instagram | YouTube