Not sure what you're thinking when you saw the photos of Elon Musk standing next to President Trump in the Oval Office last week. The phrase that immediately came to mind is X marks the spot. It also got us thinking about a few of our sessions at next month's Manly Writers' Festival.
AI and Social Media Shape Today
Two of the world's leading experts, the e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman-Grant, and former UK Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, Damian Collins, will discuss how AI and Social Media are Shaping Today. They will engage in a stimulating conversation with Steve Cannane. Read more.
Trust and Doubt in Today's Society
Julia Baird, Gavin Fang, and Tracey Kirkland will discuss Gavin's and Tracey's new book, Age of Doubt, to which Julia is one of the contributors. This insightful conversation will be moderated by Michael Brissenden in a session titled Fractured Foundations: Trust In An Uncertain World. Read more.
Leadership Analysis in Global Context
Our international visitor, Damian Collins, will chat with Geraldine Doogue about his biography of David Lloyd George, titled Rivals In The Storm. This eponymous session will examine war, peace, and the price of leadership. Read more.
The Shifting Global Order
Join our Conversation Circle on Navigating the Shifting Global Order, hosted by Geraldine Doogue. This 90-minute session features Damian Collins, former Conservative MP in the UK; Geoff Raby, career diplomat and Ambassador to China and author of Great Game On; and Amelia Lester, former deputy editor of Foreign Policy magazine. Additionally, speechwriters and authors Dennis Glover and Don Watson will share insights from their respective works, Repeat: A Warning from History and High Noon: Trump, Harris and America on the Brink. Journalist Amelia Lester will also contribute to this intriguing discussion. Read more.
AUKUS and Global Cooperation
Of course, there’s AUKUS and the famous words from the French President, "I don't think, I know." This phrase is the title for our session on Andrew Fowler’s book, Nuked, with Mark Corcoran. Read more.
Looking Ahead: Labor History Unveiled
With an Australian election on the near horizon—if not actually 'on' by then—we will get up close and personal with Kim Carr. He will discuss his autobiography A Long March and three decades of Labor History with Helen Vatsikopoulos. Read more.
Conclusion
By engaging with these topics, attendees will gain crucial insights into today’s world. The sessions at the Manly Writers' Festival will not only entertain but also enlighten. They aim to foster meaningful discussions encouraging us to think critically about our society and future.
