Anthony Milner

Who is Anthony Milner?

Professor Anthony Milner is an Australian historian of Southeast Asia – concerned primarily with the history of ideas – and a commentator on Australia-Asia relationships. Author of a much-cited work, Kerajaan, and a number of other books on Malay history and political culture, he is also editor of a series of volumes, Australia in Asia. Currently, Anthony Milner is Basham Professor of Asian History at the Australian National University, as well as Professorial Fellow and International Director at Asialink, The University of Melbourne. He was Dean of Asian Studies at the Australian National University.

Anthony Milner has been concerned with the historical and cultural processes that shape the Asian region, and also influence Australia's opportunities and security. He is described, sometimes critically, as adopting a post-modern approach. Milner has been a strong advocate of Track II diplomacy – arguing that the globalising and democratising of international relations demands an enhanced role for non-government interaction.