August 2019

Australia cast itself as the hero of East Timor. But it was US military might that got troops in | Paul Daley

Submitted by Paul Daley on

Newly released diplomatic cables show the realpolitik behind the scenes as Indonesian militias prepared to torch Dili

Australia’s precise role in bringing independence to Timor-Leste two decades ago continues to simmer as unsettled business at the heart of modern Australian diplomatic and military history.

The true story of Australia is neither simple nor easy. How about some honest history? | Paul Daley

Submitted by Paul Daley on

Too many politicians opt for an uncomplicated For-We-Are-Young-and-Free narrative, but we can be so much more

Even before the Senate recently voted for an inquiry with wide-ranging terms of reference into “nationhood, national identity and democracy”, the word was out among progressive historians who’ve long wanted a public airing of how history informs our democracy.