David Kilcullen and Julian Burnside on tactics in the Iraq War

31 August 2009

Australian-born David Kilcullen was the senior advisor to US General Petraeus during his time in Iraq, advising on counter-insurgency. The implementation of his strategies is now regarded as a major turning point in the war. Kilcullen is now advising the US military in Afghanistan. Here, in a brilliant discussion with human rights lawyer Julian Burnside at the Melbourne Writers Festival, he talks about the ethics and tactics of contemporary warfare.

David Kilcullen is a consultant to the US State Department on counterinsurgency and counterterrorism. He is the author of numerous publications including "The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One" and "Twenty-Eight Articles", a how to guide for junior commanders involved in counterinsurgency.

Julian Burnside is a human rights barrister and refugee advocate. He is the author of numerous publications and books including "On Privilege" and "Watching Brief: Reflections on Human Rights, Law and Justice".

26 August 2009

 

 

Noticeboard

13 January 2012

The Summer 2012 issue of Quarterly Access examines the recent East Asia Summit, bilateral alliances in the Asia Pacific, the future of Timor-Leste, women's participation in peace processes and more.

Read QA online: http://www.aiia.asn.au/qa/qa-vol4-issue1

02 December 2011

Applications are now open for a unique training opportunity for selected individuals develop the skills, networks and knowledge needed to be effective in forging a more sustainable future.

21 October 2011

Michael Wesley, director of the foreign policy think tank, the Lowy Institute, has won the third John Button Prize for writing on public policy.

Dr Wesley won the $20,000 award for his book, There Goes the Neighbourhood: Australia and the Rise of Asia.