Join us for the launch of National Versus Human Security : Australian and Canadian Military Interventions by author Dr Gregory MacCallion.

By examining two military interventions that have defined the post-Cold War period, Somalia (1992-1995) and Afghanistan (2001-2014), Dr MacCallion argues that for Australia and Canada, the concept of human security works better in practice than it does in theory. When human security was first advanced in 1994, debates raged. It was argued that the concept needed an agreed and articulated definition before it could have policy relevance or applicability. Dr MacCallion’s book provides unprecedented access to the key actors and decision makers, including Prime Ministers, military commanders, and senior diplomats.

HE General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia will launch the book at the event.

General Hurley has a special connection to the two military interventions examined in Dr MacCallion’s book. In his long and distinguished 42-year military career, he commanded the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment during Operation SOLACE in Somalia in 1993, and his service culminated with his appointment as Chief of the Defence Force (2011-2014) during Australia’s engagement in Afghanistan.

Dr Gregory MacCallion is a Visiting Fellow at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at ANU. He holds a PhD in International Relations from ANU. He has published book chapters, journal articles, and presented at international conferences on security theory, strategy, foreign policy, and development. He is a specialist in Australian and Canadian defence issues.