We live in an age of wicked problems, exquisite dilemmas. From the scale and scope of natural disasters to managing climate change, asylum seeking or river systems, new paradigms of transparency and power – as seen recently in the Middle East – demand a new style of leadership, collaborative action and non-linear solutions.

UK journalist Barbara Gunnell reports from London on the legacy of Julian Assange and the changing nature of journalism, state secrets and the limits to privacy. Valerie Brown and Lyn Carson explore the benefits of collective thinking and leadership, while Wendy McCarthy looks behind the rise of women in power.

Military historian Greg Lockhart reveals an Australian defence cover-up with repercussions for the current geopolitics of the Asia Pacific region; John Langmore and Jan Egeland look to Norway for lessons in peacekeeping.

Matthew Condon reminds us of the importance of history in the wake of the Brisbane floods; Deb Newell and Andrea Koch look at the value of soil; Robyn Ballinger and Chris Miller learn from the locals in the Murray-River Basin.

Other contributors include John van Tigglen on the Australian spirit at Tamworth; Susan Varga on attitudes towards Israel; Lynne Weathered on wrongful conviction; new fiction from Morris Lurie and Susan Johnson, PLUS a graphic novel from a story by Nick Earls and much more.

Wicked Problems, Exquisite Dilemmas approaches intractable problems with innovative thinking and optimism.