Australia 1942: In the Shadow of War – Book Launch

Edited by Dr Peter Dean and launched by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Bob Carr
Hosted by the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre ANU College of Asia & the Pacific

Please come and join Senator Bob Car for the launching of ‘Australia 1942: In the Shadow of War’ at Parliament House, Canberra. Because of the location, RSVP’s are essential. Please email: Andrew.Carr@anu.edu.au to reserve a spot.

In 1942, the shadow of modern war reached Australia’s shores for the first time. In this compelling volume, leading historians explore why 1942 was such a pivotal year in Australia’s history, and explain how the nation confronted some of its greatest challenges. This broad ranging study covers key issues from political, economic and home front reform to the establishment of a new partnership with the United States; the role of the Air Force and the Navy; the bombing of Darwin; as well as the battles of Kokoda, Milne Bay, the Beachheads and Guadalcanal. Australia 1942 provides a unique and in-depth exploration of the controversy surrounding the potential for invasion. Japanese and Australian historians offer perspectives on Japanese military intentions and strategies towards Australia and the south Pacific. Generously illustrated, it is essential reading for anyone interested in one of Australia’s most decisive and critical years.

Peter Dean is a Fellow in the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre as well as a Senior Lecturer at the Australian Command and Staff College. In 2011 he was a Research Associate at the United States Studies Centre (Sydney University) and a Visiting Fellow at the Centre For Australian and New Zealand Studies (Georgetown University, Washington DC). His major research and teaching interests are in Australian military history and defence studies.