Boyer Lectures 02 | Hon John Anderson AC: Our civilisational moment
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Oct 25, 2025 
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, John Anderson, explores the decline of the post-war liberal order and its implications for Australia. He highlights the urgent need to address distrust in institutions and political disengagement among youth. Anderson calls for a revitalization of civic education and democratic spirit, drawing attention to issues like the housing crisis and complacency in national defense. With insights from his podcast experiences, he emphasizes the importance of character in leadership and nurturing the next generation of thoughtful civic leaders.
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Liberal Order In Decline
- John Anderson argues the post-1945 liberal global order is ending and democracy is in global retreat.
- He links this decline to both external authoritarian pressure and Western self-neglect, citing Freedom House and EIU data.
Trust Is The Democratic Bedrock
- Anderson says trust underpins the spirit of democracy and is currently at historic lows in Australia.
- He cites the Scanlon Institute: only about one-third of Australians trust the federal government most of the time.
Complacency Masks National Risks
- He identifies distrust, disengagement and complacency as core threats to Australia's democratic spirit.
- Complacency springs from an overconfident 'she'll be right' national mindset that neglects institutions.
