The discussion was so engaging that time just flew by; given recent events, the topic felt particularly relevant
Presented by: Adelaide Writers’ Week
Reviewed: 2 March, 2025
What a great conversation. I love writers’ week!
It has such a unique energy where intellect, passion, and discussion collide in the best possible way. I have a penchant for the panel talks and political discussions by the people who have earned their spot at the event (said with no disrespect to all the amazing fiction authors in attendance).
Hosted by 7:30’s Sarah Ferguson, America, America was a conversation with David Remnick, longtime editor of the The New Yorker, about the United States’ place in the world.As someone who has interviewed every statesperson of note, his knowledge of America and its narrative is extensive. Prior to working for The New Yorker, he spent four years as The Washington Post’s Moscow correspondent, which led to him winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1994 for his book Lenin’s Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire. It is clear why it was a packed house of six hundred guests, with ushers filling in every vacant seat.
The audiovisual setup today was great—I had a really clear view, and there were no glitches or tech issues, which always makes a big difference. My only criticism would be that the stage was set too low, so despite being in the first ten rows there was limited visibility of the host Sarah.
Given his background – Sarah Ferguson— who is always, always up to date and knows what an audience is likely thinking – started with the events surrounding Trump and Zelensky from the previous day. (This event was also held prior to the meeting of European leaders at the emergency summit). My friend and I were talking about this exact issue prior to entry whilst waiting in the long queue outside Drill Hall before the event, and I imagine many other audience members were also. Opening with this topic was therefore a wise choice as it cleared away that mental space so we could then engage fully with the rest of the conversation.
As headlines reverberated globally, prompting countries to stake their positions, Ferguson moved on from this topic to draw more depth from Remnick, providing other contexts about America’s place in the world. The discussion turned to the ‘new world order’ and of course, the Trump effect, and what the repercussions are for the rest of the world. Not only in terms of us, the people, but in terms of the powers that be.
The last thirteen minutes were reserved for audience questions, of which there was time for just three. I could have sat for far longer than an hour and listened and absorbed. Remnick is an articulate speaker, incredibly knowledgeable, and at times adds in a bit of humour. I resonated so much with his analysis on ego’s relationship with complicity (for those in positions of power) and how we also live in an era of complicity for the sake of one’s ‘wellbeing’ (the rest). Unfortunately, I have heard many people say, all too often, that they don’t want to get involved or think about pressing issues – and as Remnick points out, this reluctance has contributed to the current state of affairs around the world.
What is so great about Remnick as a guest speaker? It’s his ability to stay on track with the conversation. At one point, the discussion could have derailed and easily taken a negative turn, but Remnick magnificently steered it back, inviting everyone to think the best of each other.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
Venue: The Drill Hall
Season: Sunday 2 March, 2025
Duration: 1 hour
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