In his introduction to The Avoidable War Kevin Rudd reflects that the terrible wars of the 20th Century, and the millions who died in them, occurred because of systemic failures of leadership at the highest level. He believes a war between the US and China in our time would be even more devastating and is concerned that the hawks in both Washington and Beijing have come to believe such an outcome inevitable. He argues forcefully that this is not the case and offers real, practical solutions.

Kevin Rudd is, of course, a former Prime Minister of Australia, holding that office from 2007-2010 and then again in 2013. He has studied, lived in, and worked with China for more than forty years, and is one of the very few people who can offer real insight to the mindsets of the leaders of both the US and China, the men (for that is who they tend to be) whose judgements will determine if a war between their nations will be fought. He believes that geopolitical disaster can be avoided, but only if these two powerful nations can find a way to coexist without betraying their core interests.

We consider ourselves immensely privileged to have Kevin Rudd visit Maleny for this discussion.