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Australian Foreign Policy

Australian Foreign Policy. Two Phases…. Pre WWII – the importance of the Empire Post WWII – the US alliance, ‘ Cold War ’ A third phase??? End of Cold War to now…. From Minor to Middle Power. “ Australian Foreign Policy has never had a major impact on world events ” (text, p. 227)

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Australian Foreign Policy

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  1. Australian Foreign Policy

  2. Two Phases… • Pre WWII – the importance of the Empire • Post WWII – the US alliance, ‘Cold War’ • A third phase??? • End of Cold War to now…

  3. From Minor to Middle Power • “Australian Foreign Policy has never had a major impact on world events” (text, p. 227) • Population has an impact. • Wants to be seen as a “useful and constructive international citizen” (p. 227)

  4. Whitlam • PM from 1972-1975. • ‘Dismissal’ by the GG Kerr. • Internationalism. • China – recognised and visited PRC. • Withdrew Australian troops from Vietnam. • Pursued a multi-polar world. • Changed the mentality of Aus Foreign Relations towards Asia.

  5. Fraser • PM 1975-1983. • Supported opposition of Apartheid. • Recognised Indonesia’s annexation of East Timor. • Supported boycott of 1980 Moscow Olympics. • Supported multiculturalism, including increased Asian migration. • Opposed Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. • Withdrew recognition of Pol Pot regime.

  6. Hawke • PM 1983-1991. • Integration with the global economy, floated the Australian dollar. • Apartheid – worked with the UN to impose sanctions on South Africa. • Australian Troops sent to the Gulf War. • Formed DFAT. • Condemnation of Tiananmen Square.

  7. Keating • PM 1991-1996 • Heavy focus on engagement with Asia, especially Indonesia. • ASEAN – got Aus a voice at ASEAN. • Special significance on International bodies, e.g. UN. • Pursued significant Internationalist objectives, nuclear disarmament, etc. • Heavy proponent of free trade.

  8. Howard • PM 1996-2007 • Strong supporter of ‘Anglo-sphere’ (US, UK, NZ, etc) • ANZUS invoked after 9/11 • Skeptical of Internationlism, preferred bilateral or small multilateral arrangements, e.g. free trade agreements, war in Iraq, etc. • Favoured practical rather than symbolic engagement with Asia. • East Timor… Asian ‘Regional Security’ • Pacific Solution – detention centers

  9. Rudd • PM 2007-2010. • Internationalist perspective. • Kyoto ratified. • Advocated for greater Aus role in G20. • Asia-Pacific Community. • UN Security Council Seat. • Copenhagen; Nuclear Disarmament • Greater engagement with China.

  10. Gillard / Abbott • PM 2010-??? • What do you think?

  11. Questions to answer! • What benefits did colonists perceive in being part of the imperial defence system? • Why did Curtin look to America for defence? • Define ‘forward defence’. • What are the positives and negatives of forward defence? • Why did Australian foreign policy makers strive for greater independence from the mid 1960s onwards? Were they pushed into doing so?

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