Soft Power Review cancellation impact for Australia

Eight, our political elite is using the discredited business model and methods of Old Power where knowledge, ownership and decision-making is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Finally, there is a large degree of intellectual and tribal arrogance by the political elites who think they know better than the rest of the nation. This is a recipe for disaster.

The cancellation of the Soft Power Review has many negative impacts for Australia. It shows that our political elites are not prepared to conduct and implement even a much needed review of our soft power strengths and capabilities. Australia needs to develop a sophisticated approach to managing its soft power assets.

Truth and humility must become an integral part of our Australian political culture, ideology and our democracy. In his latest book Know it All Society, US philosopher Michael Patrick Lynch challenges us to consider why we arrogantly refuse to listen to each other, no matter what our politics or beliefs are.