I am indebted to Hugh Stretton, Noam Chomsky and Frank Stilwell for suggesting improvements to the manuscript and providing encouragement. My understanding of the post-modern world has been deepened by Myra Hamilton. Chris Pirie has been an excellent editor. The support of the Australia Institute and the Poola Foundation have made preparation of this book possible, and the Graduate Program in Public Policy at the Australian National University has provided a quiet and supportive environment for writing. I am also grateful to Elizabeth Weiss of Allen & Unwin for her faith in the project.