ANZAC Nationalism and secular pilgrimages

Barry Morris

Research program: Australia in the Asia-Pacific

The principal focus of this project is a revitalised ‘ANZAC nationalism’, its historical values and meanings. The ethnography focuses on the contemporary meanings expressed by those who participate in the organised tours to a number of war memorial sites in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. The force of nationalist sensibility requires a cultural understanding of the relationship between nationalist beginnings, commemorative rites, and the role of war in Australia's relationship with Asia-Pacific and Europe. This project seeks to understand this important dimension of Australian nationalism. The project will strengthen the understanding of Australia’s historical connections with its Asia-Pacific region and Europe.