Book Launch - David Lowe, The Colombo Plan

Conceived in 1950, the Colombo Plan for Co-operative Economic Development in South and Southeast Asia was a unique experiment in foreign relations. Meeting annually across what we now know as ’the Indo-Pacific’, talented administrators facilitated foreign aid provision and promoted development fuelled state-making, internationalism and experimental regionalism across postwar Asia.

David Lowe argues that this new setting and dynamic international cast created an unusually productive diplomatic environment of what he calls 'development internationalism'. The Colombo Plan did not escape power politics or Cold War divisions. However, it did run according to its own rhythm and offers instructive lessons for Australia in its region today.

Launching the book will be Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) University of Melbourne, expert on world affairs and Australia and Asia, and author of many works on these subjects including the most recent Quarterly Essay, no. 101, Blind Spot: Southeast Asia and Australia’s Future, Black Inc, March 2026.

Light refreshments will be provided.

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Deakin Downtown, 727 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia

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