The CIS Event Experience

The Liberal Dilemma: Philip Ruddock on Factions, Teals and Australia's Political Future

In this episode, former Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock discusses the state of Australian politics from his perspective as the nation's second-longest serving parliamentarian.
After 43 years in federal politics, Ruddock examines the Liberal Party's decline in membership and growing factional divisions. He analyses the teal independent phenomenon, current immigration challenges, and Australia's energy future. Identifying as "a liberal, not a conservative," Ruddock offers candid assessments of political leadership and makes a surprising prediction about the upcoming federal election. His firsthand account provides rare insight into whether Peter Dutton can lead the Liberals back to government.

Free speech, identity politics, and the Western project with Konstantin Kisin & Glenn Fahey

In this conversation, CIS education program Director Glenn Fahey speaks with Russian-born British satirist and podcaster Konstantin Kisin about the cultural challenges facing Western democracies today.
The discussion explores challenging topics including the fracturing trust in democratic institutions, the sustainability of multiculturalism, the rise of identity politics, and the intergenerational inequality facing young people. Kisin offers a sobering analysis of why Western societies are increasingly self-critical despite unprecedented prosperity, describing our current state as a "cargo cult" that imitates rather than practises the values that made us successful.
"This is a civilisational moment. You're not going to sit this one out." For anyone concerned about cultural direction, free speech, and the future of democratic societies, this conversation provides perspectives on the personal responsibility we each have in shaping our common future.

From Soviet Union to Western World: An immigrant's perspective on cultural success with Konstantin Kisin

In this episode, Russian-born British satirist and author Konstantin Kisin delivers a defence of Western civilisation and the cultural values that have made it uniquely successful. Drawing from his personal experience growing up in the Soviet Union, Kisin articulates why millions risk their lives to immigrate to Western nations like Australia, Britain and America.
With wit and clarity, Kisin dissects the fundamental pillars that have enabled Western prosperity: government by consent, freedom of expression, and a unique incentive structure that rewards innovation rather than compliance. He challenges the politically correct narrative that downplays Western achievement, arguing that we've become a "cargo cult" society, imitating rather than practising the values that made us successful.
As Western nations grapple with cultural self-doubt, Kisin makes a compelling case for why understanding and preserving our cultural heritage matters. He argues that we've failed to articulate these values to younger generations, instead focusing solely on historical wrongdoings without proper context or comparison.
Whether you're concerned about cultural direction or curious about what makes Western societies distinctive, this episode offers an honest perspective from someone who has experienced both worlds and concluded that the West is best.

Double Standards: Rabbi Elton's analysis of antisemitism past and present

In our 2025 Acton Lecture, Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Elton analyses antisemitism's persistence from medieval times to the present day. Drawing on his expertise as both rabbi and historian, Rabbi Elton explores the double standards applied to Jews throughout history and contemporary discourse.
He begins with a personal anecdote about the Tower of London, built partly with funds extorted from medieval Jews, questioning why wrongs against Jews are treated differently from other historical injustices like slavery. Rabbi Elton documents instances of this double standard: how Lutheran churches continue to honour Martin Luther despite his antisemitism; how culture condemns some artists for offensive views while celebrating antisemites like Roald Dahl; and how Indigenous land acknowledgements are accepted while Jewish connections to Israel are questioned.
As he examines antisemitism in Australia, Rabbi Elton argues that these inconsistencies spring from anti-Jewish ideas embedded in Western culture. He offers case studies demonstrating how empathy for Jewish suffering can quickly dissipate, as seen in public responses to the events of October 7, 2023.
Rabbi Elton concludes that addressing antisemitism requires understanding its causes: "The resilience of antisemitism in our society will remain puzzling unless we go to its roots." He calls for the removal of anti-Jewish foundations in Western culture, emphasising that this requires "the deepest, most thoughtful work."
Following the lecture, Rabbi Elton sat down with Peter Kurti for a conversation and Q&A session. The event concluded with remarks from Jillian Segal AO, Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.
Rabbi Elton is Chief Minister of The Great Synagogue in Sydney and has become an important voice in Australian public conversations about antisemitism and other moral issues.

The Michaela Way: How traditional teaching transforms lives with Katharine Birbalsingh & Glenn Fahey

In this episode, renowned educator and "Britain's strictest headmistress", Katharine Birbalsingh shares her philosophy on education that has propelled her school to the top performance rating in the country. She challenges the progressive teaching methods that dominate Western education and explains why true compassion means holding students accountable regardless of background.
Our guest reveals how her school transformed students through three fundamental principles: values, discipline, and explicit teaching. She argues that today's educators have been misled to believe that "teaching is cheating," leaving disadvantaged students behind whilst mistaking leniency for compassion.
The conversation explores uncomfortable truths about how misplaced guilt and lowered expectations harm the very children educators claim to help. So , whether you're a parent, educator or neither, this episode, hosted by Glenn Fahey, will challenge your assumptions about modern education!

Biological reality vs progressive ideals | Louise Perry & Claire Lehmann

In this discussion hosted by ‪@CISAus‬ & ‪@Quillette‬ , British author Louise Perry (of ‪@maidenmothermatriarch‬) joins Quillette founder Claire Lehmann to challenge contemporary feminist orthodoxy and make a compelling case for conservative feminism.
Perry, author of "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution," argues that progressivism's fundamental flaw is its attempt to deny biological reality – particularly evident in transgender ideology and the dismissal of psychological and physical differences between the sexes. She suggests that while this approach may have benefited some women, it has proven unsustainable as "biology has a way of reasserting itself."
The conversation explores how mothers have become pivotal in challenging transgender orthodoxy, how technological changes have reshaped gender relations, and why the sexual revolution has disproportionately benefited high-status men. Both speakers lament the absence of education around identifying dangerous personality traits, particularly those high in dark triad characteristics.
Perry maintains that feminism must acknowledge fundamental biological differences — women's capacity for childbearing and their physical vulnerability compared to men — for any coherent politics to emerge. She argues that traditional institutions like marriage evolved specifically to protect women and children from vulnerability. Throughout, Perry presents conservative feminism not merely as a reaction to progressive excess, but as a return to historical understanding that accepts biological reality while advocating for women's genuine interests and protection.
Louise Perry is a British journalist, author, and broadcaster. Her 2022 book, The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, critiques modern feminism and hypersexualised culture, earning praise from outlets like The Times and The Spectator. She hosts the podcast Maiden Mother Matriarch and contributes to The New Statesman, The Spectator, and The Daily Mail.
Claire Lehmann is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Quillette, a site dedicated to promoting free thought and open inquiry, and a is a regular columnist with The Australian.
Tom Switzer is executive director of CIS. He is former presenter at ABC’s Radio National and held editorial roles at The Spectator Australia and The Australian.
Zoe Booth is the Content Director at Quillette, host of the Quillette Cetera podcast, and a contributor to The Australian.

What really works in Indigenous policy? Senator Kerrynne Liddle & Simon Cowan

Years of policy approaches have yielded limited progress, especially in closing the gap. Economic development, Native Title reform, and private enterprise have become central to creating sustainable futures for Indigenous communities.
In this address, Senator Kerrynne Liddle examines pathways toward Indigenous advancement. Drawing on her experience, she explores how economic empowerment, policy reform, and government engagement can transform outcomes for Indigenous Australians. Senator Liddle shares her perspectives in conversation with Simon Cowan, addressing questions about economic opportunity, practical reform, and moving beyond symbolic gestures toward results.
Senator Kerrynne Liddle was elected to represent South Australia in 2022 and appointed Shadow Minister for Child Protection and the Prevention of Family Violence within her first year. She serves on the Joint Standing Committee for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and has held senior positions across tourism, energy, and education industries, bringing valuable insights to Australia's Indigenous policy landscape.

Demographic destiny: Nicholas Eberstadt on the world's population implosion.

After centuries of population growth, humanity is now entering an unprecedented era of decline. From East Asia to Europe, birth rates have plummeted far below replacement levels, with profound implications for economies, societies and geopolitics.
In this thought-provoking lecture, renowned demographer Nicholas Eberstadt explores our coming depopulating future. While sub-replacement fertility introduces serious challenges, Eberstadt argues that prosperity remains possible through human innovation, open economies, and competitive immigration policies. Join us as we examine how demographic transformation will reshape global power dynamics and our everyday lives in the decades ahead.
Nicholas Eberstadt is the Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior adviser to the National Bureau of Asian Research, with decades of experience studying global demographic, economic and security trends.

Why right now? Simon Heffer & Tom Switzer on political shifts

After a decade where progressive ideas dominated Western discourse - with their focus on diversity, inclusion and what critics call "woke" politics - the political landscape appears to be shifting rightward. From North America to Europe and the Asia-Pacific, conservative movements are gaining momentum, challenging progressive agendas that once seemed ascendant.
In this discussion, we explore what's driving this global rightward shift. Is the progressive moment in politics fading? What might this mean for economic policy and Western cultural direction?
Simon Heffer, columnist for The Telegraph and professor at the University of Buckingham, joins Tom Switzer, Executive Director at CIS and former ABC Radio National host, to examine the global conservative resurgence and its implications.

The Middle East in the Trump era with John Spencer & Tom Switzer

In this event John Spencer & CIS executive director Tom Switzer examined the future of US Middle East policy as Donald Trump eyed a return to the White House, exploring potential foreign policy shifts and their implications for Israel's military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah.
John Spencer chairs Urban Warfare Studies at West Point's Modern War Institute and the Madison Policy Forum. He authored "Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership and Social Connections in Modern War" among other books.