1 October 2020

Asia Society Australia and Macquarie University have today announced the appointment of Dr Bates Gill, political analyst, scholar of China, and author and Professor of Asia-Pacific Security Studies at Macquarie University as the inaugural Scholar-in-Residence.

The Scholar-in-Residence Program is a new initiative that will appoint leading thinkers to Asia Society Australia to provide analysis on the critical issues facing Australia in Asia, engage with Australian business and government and contribute to Asia Society programs and publications.

In partnership with Macquarie University, Professor Gill will take up his new appointment on 1 October. Bates is an expert on Chinese foreign policy with a long record of research and publications on international and regional security issues. He is the former CEO of the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and a former Director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Bates was also the co-editor of Asia Society Australia Disruptive Asia Special China Edition in 2019. Currently, his work focuses on Chinese foreign and security policy, US-China relations, and the US role in Asia.

Under the Program, a residency at Asia Society Australia will be awarded annually to one established scholar with expertise in Asian studies, foreign policy, international security, trade and economics.

Professor Bates Gill, the inaugural Scholar and Professor of Asia-Pacific Security Studies at Macquarie University said:

"The Asia Society is a remarkable global organisation, exemplified by its team at the Asia Society Australia.  This appointment is an honour and pleasure, and I look forward to working with Asia Society colleagues in putting forward fresh policy insights and ideas for navigating Australia's relations with our Asian neighbours."

Professor Martina Mollering, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University added:

“Macquarie University is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Bates Gill from the Faculty of Arts, as the Asia Society Australia’s inaugural Scholar-in-Residence. This partnership between the Asia Society Australia and Macquarie is making a purposeful contribution to Australians’ understanding of the political, economic and social dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region during this turbulent period.”

Nicole Brigg, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Macquarie University noted:

“The Asia Society Australia is an outstanding advocate for deepening and broadening Australia’s knowledge, insight and understanding of our Asian neighbours.  Macquarie University is delighted to contribute to this valuable work through the appointment of Professor Bates Gill from the Faculty of Arts, as the Asia Society Australia’s inaugural Scholar-in-Residence.”

Philipp Ivanov, CEO of Asia Society Australia said:

"The Scholar-in-Residence Program will further enhance Asia Society Australia’s expertise and capabilities, following the launch of Asia Society Policy Institute in Australia earlier this year. It will also contribute to greater collaboration between Australian academia, business and government on evolving foreign and economic policies towards our region."

To launch the residency and to coincide with the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, Professor Bates Gill has written an opinion piece in the Australian Financial Review which presents an analysis of the key foreign policy objectives under President Xi in the coming decade and what they mean for Australia’s relationship with China.