2026 Festival

Speaker Profile

Clinton Fernandes

Clinton Fernandes is Professor of International and Political Studies at the University of New South Wales. He has published on the relationship between science, diplomacy and international law, intelligence operations in foreign policy, the political and regulatory implications of new technology and Australia's external relations more generally. His research in the Future Operations Research Group at UNSW analyses the operational environment, and the threats, risks and opportunities that military forces will face, in the 2030-50 timeframe. 

China And America At Sea: What’s next for us and the Pacific?

Friday April 24
The Ballroom, The Continental
1.30pm / 60 mins

Clinton Fernandes, Michael Pembroke and Emma Shortis with Zoe Daniel

Authoritarian Leaderships v People Power: The world on standby

Saturday April 25
The Ballroom, The Continental
2.30pm / 60 mins

Elizabeth Buchanan, Clinton Fernandes and Will Partlett with Tom Wright

Protesters and dissenters who live in authoritarian regimes risk plenty. For those who live in fragile democracies, especially when once-solid institutions start to teeter, it is also an anxious time, as our panel observes. 

Iran At The Crossroads

Saturday April 25
Hotel Sorrento (Cooper Room)
4.00pm / 60 mins

Shokoofeh Azar, Kylie Moore-Gilbert and Clinton Fernandes with Michael Brissenden