Seize the Moment with Bernard Keane - Book Club

Join Bernard Keane as he discusses his new book, Seize the Moment: Australia’s real opportunities in an unstable world.

Australia is surviving the second coming of Trump, but our economy and our social cohesion are under pressure, and our political landscape is being reshaped.

How do we turn this time of international crisis into a launchpad for success? At the first-quarter mark of the 21st century, giant forces are reshaping our world.

This Trump Moment marks a turning point in history. So far, Australia has played its hand pretty well. But beneath the military and economic conflicts grabbing the headlines, technological disruption is escalating; our population is ageing; the climate crisis is upon us; China is gathering power; and the US empire is retreating from its strategic role internationally and from democratic norms. I

n the face of these pressures, can Australia continue to be a lucky country? Bernard Keane draws on his experience within government and as a political commentator, to outline how Australia can prosper in the next quarter century.

He argues we have crucial advantages we can leverage—if we make smart decisions now.

Speakers –

Bernard Keane – Columnist at Crikey

Alice Grundy – Managing Editor, Australia Institute Press

Recorded on the 28th of August, 2026