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The Curious Diplomat: A memoir from the frontlines of diplomacy
From India to the Info-Pacific, a riveting insider’s account of diplomacy and politics, and Australia’s position in the world.
Lachlan Strahan spent his career as a diplomat and an ambassador in some of Australia’s most important postings, including India, Germany, Korea and Solomon Islands. He was involved in some of Australia’s biggest diplomatic challenges, from the spate of violence against Indian students in Australia to weapons discussions to Australia’s interests at the United Nations.
Working with prime ministers and foreign affairs ministers including Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, Gareth Evans, Alexander Downer, Marise Payne and Penny Wong, Strahan had a unique insight into Australia’s foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific and beyond for more than three decades. In this lively account, Strahan reveals how Canberra sees Australia and how our allies and adversaries see us, and offers a valuable perspective on what Australia can do to supercharge our relationships in the Indo-Pacific.
Praise for Justice in Kelly Country, shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Award for History 2023
‘This is a fascinating and original history, taut and suspenseful, written with subtlety and flair.’ – Tom Griffiths
‘Lachlan Strahan brings to life a lost world of rural Victoria in the era of gold-seeking, free selection and bushranging.’ – Frank Bongiorno
‘…a fascinating book.’ – Eureka Street
‘a rewarding, yet unusual retelling of the Ned Kelly story.’ – History News
‘A brilliant and original window into the Kelly Outbreak – of the hunter rather than just the hunted.’ – Janet McCalman
Lachlan Strahan spent his career as a diplomat and an ambassador in some of Australia’s most important postings, including India, Germany, Korea and Solomon Islands. He was involved in some of Australia’s biggest diplomatic challenges, from the spate of violence against Indian students in Australia to weapons discussions to Australia’s interests at the United Nations.
Working with prime ministers and foreign affairs ministers including Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, Gareth Evans, Alexander Downer, Marise Payne and Penny Wong, Strahan had a unique insight into Australia’s foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific and beyond for more than three decades. In this lively account, Strahan reveals how Canberra sees Australia and how our allies and adversaries see us, and offers a valuable perspective on what Australia can do to supercharge our relationships in the Indo-Pacific.
Praise for Justice in Kelly Country, shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Award for History 2023
‘This is a fascinating and original history, taut and suspenseful, written with subtlety and flair.’ – Tom Griffiths
‘Lachlan Strahan brings to life a lost world of rural Victoria in the era of gold-seeking, free selection and bushranging.’ – Frank Bongiorno
‘…a fascinating book.’ – Eureka Street
‘a rewarding, yet unusual retelling of the Ned Kelly story.’ – History News
‘A brilliant and original window into the Kelly Outbreak – of the hunter rather than just the hunted.’ – Janet McCalman
747 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 11, 2026
Finish date: 10.09.2026
Genre: non-fiction
Rating: F
#AusReadingMonth 2026
#Australian Political Book of the Year 2026
Good News:
I finished 750 pg of “The Curious Diplomat.”
TBH…I skimmed it.
That brings me one book closer to
…completing the long list before the short list will be announced
…17 September 2026
Bad News:
What am I dealing with here?
The writing in “The Curious Diplomat”
… feels dry, rigid, and completely stripped of personality.
In the spirit of a true “civil servant” Mr. Strahan
…prioritizes bureaucratic clarity over engagement
…leaving the text feeling flat and uninspiring.
Also leaving me exhausted!
Personal:
“The Curious Diplomat” was as dry as Weetabix!
IMO this book is not worthy to be on the l
…long list for Australian Political Book of the year 2026.
Is there a jury report available that could clarify WHY this book was chosen?
Mr. Strahan is probably a very good diplomat but the man cannot write!
I realize that juries for political awards: often nominate books
…for the historical or policy weight of the information inside them,
…even if the prose reads exactly like a government briefing paper.
Well, I guess there always has to be one “dud” on a long list.
…..this is the one!
July 8, 2026
A long memoir of experiences in the Australian diplomatic service both at home and abroad. Rather a dry slog in places and not helped by poor copy editing at several points. Lachie finished up in the Solomons which is in the news at the moment so it was nice to be reading about something that is topical. He concludes with some reflections on progress made in the past three decades globally and within the public service.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews