Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy speaks with Paul Kelly, editor-at-large of The Australian, about Kelly's new book The Twilight of Exceptionalism. The book examines the Liberal Party's turbulent era under prime ministers Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison, highlighting a party deeply fractured over its values and confused about its identity in a changing world.
Leadership Turmoil and Identity Crisis
Kelly argues that the Liberal leadership shifted from a conservative (Abbott) to a progressive (Turnbull) and then to a transactional centrist (Morrison). This period demonstrated the party's internal conflict and lack of a clear ideological direction. According to Kelly, the party struggled to reconcile its traditional values with modern political demands, leading to instability and public disillusionment.
Book's Core Thesis
In The Twilight of Exceptionalism, Kelly writes that the Liberal Party's identity crisis was exacerbated by the rapid succession of leaders with disparate philosophies. He notes that the party's inability to maintain a coherent message contributed to electoral challenges and internal strife. The book draws on interviews and analysis to paint a picture of a party at a crossroads.
Relevance to Current Debates
The interview comes amid ongoing discussions within the Liberal Party about gender quotas and structural reforms. A slew of proposals aim to make the party a 'fit-for-purpose political machine,' as reported by Guardian Australia. Kelly's insights provide historical context for these debates, suggesting that the party must address its foundational divisions to regain public trust.
