John Howard on 9/11, geopolitics and Australia’s security

Ahead of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, The Australian National University (ANU) National Security College (NSC) hosted The Honourable John Howard AC for a conversation about national security decision-making, Australia's alliances and the changing geopolitics of the region.

The mood in Washington when the world changed

In conversation with NSC Head Professor Rory Medcalf AM, the former Prime Minister began with a personal account of being in Washington when the attacks occurred.

Mr Howard recalled the uncertainty of those first hours and the sense of vulnerability he encountered in his conversations with senior American leaders.

"Everybody has this image of [United States] - the all-powerful, invulnerable, never to be perturbed, yet they are a nation that can be very vulnerable … and they felt very vulnerable," Mr Howard said.

He then reflected on how the attacks changed Australia's strategic outlook and deepened its alliance with the United States.

He described the decision of invoking the ANZUS treaty as a fundamental moment in the Australia-United States relationship - and one that laid the foundation for AUKUS years later.

Regional politics and immigration

Mr Howard acknowledged that while the United States alliance still remained the strongest relationship for Australia, we need to build on our other bilateral relationships with India, Indonesia and Japan. We also spoke about the careful management two different Chinese leaderships during his time and the current challenge posed by China in the region.

The Former Prime Minister offered a candid assessment on the current debate on Australia's immigration policy.

"I am somebody who believes that one of the great success stories of Australia has been post-World War II immigration, and I don't care whether you call it monocultural or multicultural," Mr Howard said.

"We used to have a wonderful expression in Australia, and that especially 'New Australian', and I mean I've met many hundreds of Australians who rejoiced in being described as a 'New Australian'."

Watch the full conversation

This article was first published by the National Security College.