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Joshua Black

Joshua Black

The Conversation

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How does unthinkable policy become inevitable? The ‘Overton window’ is one possible answer

How does unthinkable policy become inevitable? The ‘Overton window’ is one possible answer

It was once deemed crazy to get rid of protective tariffs. Privatising state banks was inconceivable. Both are now commonplace, but how does this...

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The Conversation

Joshua Black

Friday essay: Don Watson’s book on Paul Keating ended their friendship – is it our best ever political memoir?

Speechwriter Don Watson’s insider account of the prime minister he worked for, written ‘in tragic mode’, was an instant bestseller – but...

28.08.2026 20

The Conversation

Joshua Black

Paul Kelly’s exceptional history charts the decline and fall of the Coalition – but leaves questions unanswered

The Twilight of Exceptionalism is a story of problems unsolved and potential unfulfilled.

18.08.2026 10

The Conversation

Joshua Black