My paper for the Centre for Independent Studies, largely focusing on practical improvements to Australian statecraft in PNG.

In my book Winners Don’t Cheat I caution against finding role models that only look like you. Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell — who passed away aged 84 — was my rare exception. Powell, of West Indian heritage, cast a unique figure on his road to becoming a four-star general, chairman of the joint chiefs (1989-93), national security adviser (1987-89) and his nation’s chief diplomat (2001-05). His image with US President Ronald Reagan, inset with this article, is a favourite of mine. It shows Powell — then as national security adviser — briefing Reagan, whose counsel Reagan clearly […]