Clive’s controversial 2018 book, Silent Invasion: China’s Influence in Australia, almost went unpublished after three publishers pulled out citing fears of reprisals from Beijing. His warning that the Chinese Communist Party is engaged in a systematic campaign to exert political influence in Australia seemed vindicated before the book appeared. Published in February, Silent Invasion quickly became a best-seller and is being read in countries around the world that face a similar threat from a rising China under an increasingly authoritarian state.
Clive explains the CCP’s influence and interference operations in Australia, the structure of its overseas influence network, and the techniques it uses. Australia’s elites are the target of sophisticated influence operations, and parts of the large Chinese-Australian diaspora have been mobilised to buy access to politicians, limit academic freedom, intimidate critics, collect information for Chinese intelligence agencies, and protest in the streets against Australian government policy.
Praise for Silent Invasion
“I strongly urge anyone concerned about the future of freedom in the world–not just in Australia–to read [Clive Hamilton’s] Silent Invasion: China’s Influence in Australia. Europe, Canada, Japan and US must learn from this experience.”
Professor Larry Diamond, Professor of Political Science, Stanford University
Tweet dated 19 March 2018
“[Silent Invasion] should be read as widely as possible and openly discussed. … It has 13 chapters and you should read every one of them, not excluding the endnotes, which are meticulous.”
Paul Monk, The Weekend Australian
March 17-18, 2018
“I wish I could write such a brilliant book. This book is a major contribution to scholarship in the areas of the Communist Party, international relations and multiculturalism.”
Dr Feng Chongyi, Associate Professor, UTS,
Public forum, NSW Parliament House, 14 March 2018
“[Silent Invasion] is, without question, one of the really important Australian publishing events of recent years and a truly significant contribution to debate about Australia’s future relationship with China.”
Professor Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU
Inside Story, 8 March 2018
“… Hamilton has done Australia a long-term service. The book’s forthrightness is resounding internationally. … Silent Invasion will be essential reading for those in many countries concerned for their national security and the integrity of their institutions.”
Professor Rory Medcalf, Head of the National Security College, ANU
Lowy Interpreter, 21 March 2018
