Australia Day passed with fewer flags, less lamb, and more bickering. The Prime Minister ducked for cover, statues came down, and our capital cities were filled with post-colonial whingers.

Our diminishing cultural pride is mirrored across the liberal West and collectively stands in stark contrast to the muscular nationalism promulgated by present-day authoritarians.

In the coming decade, Australia will likely face a decision to defend democracy in our region or shirk the responsibility and go it alone.