29 October marks the 65th anniversary of the start of the Suez Conflict, during which Israeli, French and British troops attacked Egypt in an attempt to regain control of the Suez Canal which had been nationalised by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. It was in this complex and tense situation that Robert Menzies took on a central role on the global stage, acting as the leader of an international committee which sought to convince Nasser to allow an international body to operate the canal.

Joining us to discuss the Suez Crisis is former Australian Ambassador and author of Australia, Menzies and Suez: Australian Policymaking on the Middle East Before, During and After the Suez Crisis, Dr Bob Bowker.