Big Ideas Australia and the spectre of war — from Vietnam to today
May 20, 2025
Guests Peter Cosgrove, former Chief of the Australian Defence Force and Governor-General, and Mia Martin Hobbs, an author and postdoctoral fellow, delve into Australia’s military past and present. They discuss the Vietnam War's impact on national identity and public sentiment, exploring how political figures shaped military engagements over decades. The conversation covers evolving attitudes toward defense, the significance of veteran healing journeys, and the challenges posed by modern threats, all while advocating for a cohesive national identity in the face of global uncertainty.
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Building Public Consensus for War
- Successive Australian Prime Ministers like Menzies managed to build and maintain public consensus for military engagements despite internal opposition.
- Consensus is elastic and fragile, often requiring active effort to build and sustain in democracies.
Vietnam Veterans' Commitment and Estrangement
- Young soldiers in Vietnam like Sir Peter Cosgrove were committed and professional despite growing public opposition.
- Returning Vietnam veterans faced spiritual estrangement and marginalization from the public and government.
Impact of the Information Age on War
- The information age dramatically changed how war and military actions influence public opinion.
- The rapid, constant flow of information energizes politics but can also spread prejudices and hatreds at scale.