Overview

This book examines the concept of 'strategic imagination' developed by Brendan Sargeant during his distinguished career at the Australian Department of Defence and later as a scholar at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC), The Australian National University. His tragic passing has left this powerful idea awaiting a proper examination. This volume seeks to provide that scholarly account and carry both the concept and Brendan’s legacy forward. The book is organised in three parts. First, former officials like Dennis Richardson join leading scholars, including Mark McKenna, Anthea Roberts and Ian Hall, to explore the unusual conjunction of strategy and imagination, demonstrating its crucial role in effective scholarship and policy. Second, analysts from Australia and worldwide examine how strategic imagination improves strategic practice by revealing hidden possibilities, catalysing essential conversations and challenging core assumptions. The final section offers personal reflections from Brendan’s colleagues at the SDSC, providing a fitting tribute to his life and contribution. The volume also includes selections of Brendan’s own writing on strategic imagination, ensuring his voice continues to inspire scholars and officials to explore this rich and powerful concept.

Full Product Details

Author:   Andrew Carr
Publisher:   ANU Press
Imprint:   ANU Press
ISBN:  

9781760466954

ISBN 10:   1760466956
Publication Date:   10 June 2025
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Abbreviations List of illustrations Contributors Preface – Greg Moriarty Introduction – Andrew Carr and Sita Sargeant The Australian strategic imagination: Origins and form – Brendan Sargeant Part 1. The concept of strategic imagination Concepts: What is strategic imagination? A reconciled republic? The Australian Constitution, the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, the republic and the future of the Commonwealth – Mark McKenna Imagination and scholarship: The role of creativity and complexity – Anthea Roberts Imagination and policy – Dennis Richardson Thinking about strategic imagination – Ian Hall The strategist as author – Andrew Carr Part 2. The practice of strategic imagination Strategic imagination: Practice Imagination and the Korean crisis – Roland Bleiker Australia in a new era: Why strategic imagination matters – Tom Barber and Melissa Conley Tyler The Indo-Pacific as strategic imagination – Rory Medcalf Approaching Australian defence and strategic policy through strategic imagination – Stephan Frühling Strategic imagination: The case of reimagining Nordic defence – Robbin Laird Part 3. Remembrances of Brendan Sargeant Remembrance foreword Vale Brendan Sargeant – Evelyn Goh Reflections on Brendan Sargeant – Amy King Reimagining strategy and statecraft for the future – Jochen Prantl The imagination of a bureaucrat – Hugh White Grappling with the past and present through imagination – Meighen McCrae Bridging the gap: Remembering Brendan Sargeant – Brendan Taylor 'To see what is worth seeing': Keynote speech to the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre fiftieth anniversary dinner, 21 July 2016 – Brendan Sargeant Index

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