The final episode of this special presentation examines the role of international events and relationships in the Howard government's success. It explores the paradox of how an essentially domestic politician, uncomfortable on the world stage, achieves electoral success and secures his self-belief through foreign affairs and border control issues. We see the emotional attachment Howard has for Australia's military history and his growing success in the encouragement of Australian nationalism and promotion of the flag. We canvass the electoral and social impact of foreign policy decisions and finally, as Kevin Rudd's star rises, we watch the demise of a leader who had stamped his authority so completely on more than 11 years of government, that when he aged and lost touch, so did the government because, by this time, he was the government.

Running Time: 58 mins

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