The Robert Menzies Institute is proud to announce that the Call for Papers for our sixth annual conference, to be held at the University of Melbourne on 12-13 November 2026, is now open. The Conference is the second installment in our ‘Forging Australia’ series, and will look at ‘ANZUS, Menzies and America: The political, strategic, and cultural impact of the USA across Australian history’.

We invite academics from around Australia and indeed the world to submit a paper proposal related to the broad remit of the conference theme by no later than 1 May. Proposals will be assessed for both academic rigour and originality, as the Institute seeks to further our knowledge of a crucial aspect of Australian history. We are looking for lasting and impactful contributions, as all accepted papers will eventually be published in a Melbourne University Press book, building on the growing library of publications produced by the Institute.

Details:

2026 marks 75 years since the Menzies Government signed the ANZUS Treaty with the United States and New Zealand in 1951. ANZUS has come to be understood as the bedrock of the Australian-American alliance and the cornerstone of Australia’s national security. At a time when, despite urgent geo-security concerns, Australian-American relations appear to be more fraught than they have been for some decades, this anniversary provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the history and depth of the relationship. Exploring how it has evolved beyond mere geostrategic calculus to encompass both shared values and an enriching exchange of ideas. But also its limitations; including historical criticisms of American cultural influence, overriding of Australian sovereignty, and willingness to defend Australian interests when these do not directly align with those of the United States.

In this open call for papers, we encourage submissions interpretating the conference theme in a broad fashion. Covering such matters as geopolitics, institutional development, intellectual trends, comparative histories, economic policy, the adaptation of American ideas to an Australian context, and more. Proposals can be submitted for panels, linking three interconnected topics, or individual papers. Both require a title and an abstract of 300 words. Proposals should be emailed to: zachary@robertmenziesinstitute.org.au by Friday 1 May.

Successful applicants will hear back no later than Monday 18 May. Conference papers take the form of a presentation plus Q&A. Papers will later be published as a chapter of up to 4000 words in a Melbourne University Publishing volume, which will be due by Monday 4 January 2027. Financial assistance is available for a limited number of presenters who would not otherwise be able to attend the conference.