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Classical IR realism, often shorthanded as Realpolitik, is the dominant paradigm for national security practitioners to this day. A realist purports to see the world as it is, clearly, objectively, and comprehensively, and this becomes the foundation for a rational and prudent foreign policy.  I accept that proposition, but question whether the sight of only one-half of the population is not in fact incomplete sight, and whether that incomplete sight compromises the rationality and the prudence of the resulting foreign policy. Whether we speak of the national interest, power, situational awareness, threat assessment, or threat response, I argue that a fuller realism, incorporating the sight, perspectives, and skills of both halves of humanity, offers a surer path to national security.
 

About the speaker

Professor Hudson is University Distinguished Professor and George H.W. Bush Chair, and Professor of International Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. She is a globally recognised scholar with expertise in Foreign Policy Analysis, International Security and Women, Peace, and Security. Professor Hudson has been named a Distinguished Scholar of Foreign Policy Analysis as well as a Distinguished Scholar of Political Demography and Geography by the International Studies Association.

She is the author of numerous books including, most recently, The Hillary Doctrine: Sex and American Foreign Policy (with Patricia Leidl, Columbia University Press, 2015), The First Political Order: How Sex Shapes Governance and National Security Worldwide (with Donna Lee Bowen and Perpetua Lynne Nielsen, Columbia University Press, 2020) and Foreign Policy Analysis: Classic and Contemporary Theory (with Benjamin Day, Bloomsbury, 4th edition forthcoming 2026).
 

Panellists

Dr Benjamin Day (Moderator), Department of International Relations at the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs

Professor George Lawson, Department of International Relations at the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs

Dr Elise Stephenson, Deputy Director, 



Date: Tuesday May 19

Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

·         5:00-5:30 light refreshments served

·         5:30-7:00 lecture, panel discussion, and Q&A



Additional information:
Registration is required for this event. If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email bell.marketing@anu.edu.au. â€¯are available around campus should you require them.