Colin Mason is a former foreign correspondent and radio and TV executive. He was subsequently an Australian federal senator for nine years and deputy leader of the Australian Democrats. During this time foreign affairs and defence were among his portfolio responsibilities.
He has published twelve books, including three novels. The most recent have been A Short History of Asia (Palgrave, London and New York) 2000, second edition October 2005) and The 2030 Spike (Earthscan, London) 2003. A Short History of the Future (Earthscan) is in production.