Book excerpt: Skilled migration is rapidly rising as countries vie for the 'best and brightest' migrants to fill labour market shortages or to add to their stock of 'knowledge workers'. The 'knowledge economy', and the increasing value placed on human capital over physical capital, has led to what some describe as a 'war over skills'. Within this context, the way in which Australia seeks to attract skilled permanent and temporary migrants is put under the spotlight in this very timely publication. Are we open and flexible or defensive and protectionist? This book compares the policies of Australia with those of other nations. What makes this book unique is the input of lawyers, for the first time in Australia, in the discussion of issues. Their challenge to existing selection policies, taxation systems and recognition mechanisms provides a major new contribution to these topics.