Adrian Lipscomb
Adrian Lipscomb is a retired lawyer, travel-writer, academic and political observer. During the 1980s he worked in policy areas with the Department of Defence in Canberra and with the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO now called the Defence Intelligence Organisation). In the mid-1990s he volunteered in the Solomon Islands, and was the co-ordinating author of the 1998 edition of the Lonely Planet Guide to PNG. In 2015 he was awarded the OAM. He currently lives in Urunga, NSW.
Recent articles by Adrian Lipscomb
31 March 2025
Absurdity and satire: The only logical approach to international politics
We live in absurd times. The nature of our current society and political landscape can only be described as “buffoonery”, and the most appropriate method of dealing with such matters is satire. But so has it always been!
22 September 2024
American exceptionalism versus Australian distinctiveness
The presidential election campaign that is underway in the US is full of hoopla, hysteria, loopy hats and fatuous slogans. It is somewhat gratifying, therefore, to note that, here, in Australia, we are above all that nonsense. But (one must ask) is our political system in Australia really that much better than in America? And are our political mindsets really more attuned to refined Aussie nuances?
8 July 2024
American exceptionalism and the rule of law
There is an oft-quoted legal dictum known as “The Rule of Law” that posits that all people are equal before the law regardless of status or standing, and that all must obey the law. How then (one must ask) does such a widely-held principle conform to the recent ruling of the US Supreme Court that a President (such as Donald Trump) should be immune from prosecution for acts that would normally be considered to be illegal?
26 April 2024
The Israel dilemma
As a gentile with an historical association with Israel, I must admit to being greatly puzzled by the double standard that is evident in the destruction of Gaza.
25 January 2024
Australia Day: The differences that unify
Australians are a perverse bunch. We tend to exhibit two distinct and contradictory sentiments every Australia Day. For many, it is an excuse to bask in overweening pride and to declare loudly our normalcy as citizens of this great land. It presents an opportunity for flag-wavers, anthem-singers, chauvinists and proud nationalists, to strut their stuff. It is grist for the mill for what populist politicians call Team Australia.
9 November 2022
Of Shahid and Ghazees Spin and the explaining of Islam
Spin in all its forms is dangerous. Spin linking Islam with terrorism has become a part of everyday life for us and it is difficult to recognise it as spin precisely because of that fact.
29 October 2022
This Techno-life: to simplify or not to simplify!
Understanding the difference between needs and wants is an essential lesson in the quest for simplicity.
8 September 2022
The private school dilemma are toxic cultures of misogyny and racism inevitable?
Knox Grammar School, one of Sydneys top private schools, has hit the headlines this week with several boys suspended or withdrawn after posting misogynistic, racist and anti-Semitic comments in an online private chatroom.