JB Chifley: An Ardent Internationalist

Joseph Benedict (Ben) Chifley, a former train driver and Prime Minister of Australia from 1945 to 1949, was a key figure in the development of internationalism and the establishment of international rules-based economic and collective security institutions. His rural background and commitment to the labour movement played a major role in his perspective. He was a great admirer of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and their convergence of worldviews can be seen in their views on the need to adjust to a changing post-colonial world, their internationalism, support for the United Nations, opposition to Western colonialism, anti-war attitudes, and animosity towards the American and British Cold War framework.

Format: Hardback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2019
Publisher: Melbourne University Press

Joseph Benedict (Ben) Chifley, a former train driver and Prime Minister of Australia from 1945 to 1949, faced significant economic and global challenges during his tenure. Born in rural Australia, Chifley had a strong connection to the labor movement and a deep commitment to internationalism. His experiences during the Great Depression and World War II shaped his perspective on the need for international cooperation and collective security. Despite being often overlooked by historians, Chifley's vision of establishing international rules-based economic and collective security institutions was a key aspect of his foreign policy. This belief was rooted in his early 1930s convictions and remained a guiding principle throughout his political career. Chifley's interest in post-war Asia was evident, and he recognized the changing nature of the colonial order. He admired the Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and their convergence of worldviews was remarkable. Both leaders shared a commitment to adjusting to a changing post-colonial world, internationalism, support for the United Nations, opposition to Western colonialism, and anti-war attitudes. They also shared a dislike for the American and British Cold War framework that dominated the post-war worldview. Historian Frank Bongiorno praised Chifley's vision, stating that it was a significant contribution to Australian political, foreign policy, and intellectual history. Chifley's legacy continues to inspire and shape Australian politics and international relations.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 138 x 211 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780522874693