The highlight of December has been two of my favorite themes —global affairs and lands of Texas, America, and others’ lands—building bridges. What was different this time was bringing many people together to share ideas, opportunities and advance thinking.
The driving force behind this monsoon-level activity was the visit to Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations by The Honourable Scott Morrison, prime minister of Australia (2018-2022). He conveyed choice words about the nature of autocratic regimes and was incredibly profound. A few key distilled, high-level takeaways follow:
1) Like-minded allies should work in partnership. You cannot [should not] walk away.
2) That the AUKUS partnership is critical for the Indo-Pacific and the U.S. And Australia is very much an equal partner with the U.S., as witnessed by its commitment of numerous resources.
3) Economic might is foremost —peace through strength.
4) That autocracies and democracies are not equivalent.
5) Market-based economies, in spite of their booms and busts, course correct over time. [They reflect what people and their economies need, want and value.]
6) A strong security foundation is a first imperative.
Below is a gallery of a few, of many, highlights. Special thanks for the Consulate of Canada’s attendance too. Articles are linked.
One of his visits, Sandow Lakes Ranch, represented some of the best of Texas:
