Australia’s Pursuit of an Independent Foreign Policy under the Whitlam Labor Government
Australia’s Pursuit of an Independent Foreign Policy under the Whitlam Labor Government

Author: Changwei Chen

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-08-11

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 1000927938

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Examining a series of episodes in Australia’s foreign relations under Whitlam, the author pays attention to a broad range of hitherto insufficiently researched domestic and international issues in Australian’s foreign relations of the early 1970s. The election of the Whitlam-led Labor Government in December 1972 ushered in fresh ideas and audacious initiatives in Australia’s foreign policy. Whitlam’s approach was shaped by a vision of taking Australia forward to its “rightful” and “independent” place in the future of the Asia-Pacific region. They range from immigration policy and the abolition of appeals from Australian Courts to the Privy Council to such major international issues as the Anglo-American base in Diego Garcia, French nuclear testing in the Pacific and the Five-Power Agreement with respect to Malaysia and Singapore. He demonstrates how the pursuit of foreign policy independence repeatedly placed the Whitlam Government in a position wedged in between Australia’s traditional allies and the Third World; and how it navigated Australia’s national interests on a series of dilemma situations involving conflicting strategic interests between Australia and its traditional allies, and those between major powers and the non-aligned countries. The analysis presented in this book contributes to not only historical literature on the subject but also the understanding of how a middle power, like Australia, can navigate intensifying great power rivalry. Essential reading for scholars of Australian foreign policy, as well as being an invaluable case study of middle power diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia and the United Nations
Australia and the United Nations

Author: James Cotton

Publisher: Longueville Books

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 608

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This landmark reference work is the first complete history of Australia and its relationship with, and role within, the United Nations. On 17 January 1946, when the United Nations Security Council held its inaugural session, an Australian representative, Norman Makin, presided.If all members adhered to the principles of the United Nations Charter, predicted Makin, the United Nations would become "a great power for the good of the world, bringing that freedom from fear, which is necessary before we can hope for progress and welfare in all lands". Australia and the United Nations traces how Australia committed itself to the United Nations project, from before the convening of the first United Nations Security Council until the eve of its election to a fifth term on that body. The book begins with Australian involvement with the organisation that preceded the United Nations, the League of Nations. It then analyses the role played by Australian Minister for External Affairs, HV Evatt, and his staff in framing the United Nations Charter at San Francisco in 1945. Three chapters analyse Australia's diplomacy towards the Security Council, its efforts in peacekeeping, and evolving policies and attitudes towards arms control and disarmament. Two chapters discuss Australia's engagement with the United Nations' manifold specialised agencies and the role of the broader UN family in development. Another two chapters are devoted to a study of Australia's role in areas of United Nations operation only dimly foreseen by its founders at San Francisco-decolonisation and the environment. The two final chapters examine Australia's contribution to the promotion of human rights and international law and the important role it has played seeking to improve the United Nations' performance to equip it to meet new challenges in global politics. Australia and the United Nations tells us what was done in the past, and why. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand Australia's multilateral diplomacy, and our future choices.

Australian Foreign Policy in Asia
Australian Foreign Policy in Asia

Author: Allan Patience

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-12-12

Total Pages: 331

ISBN-13: 3319693476

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book sets out to discuss what kind of ‘middle power’ Australia is, and whether its identity as a middle power negatively influences its relationship with Asia. It looks at the history of the middle power concept, develops three concepts of middle power status and examines Australia’s relationships with China, Japan and Indonesia as a focus. It argues that Australia is an ‘awkward partner’ in its relations with Asia due to both its historical colonial and discriminatory past, as well its current dependence upon the United States for a security alliance. It argues this should be changed by adopting a new middle power concept in Australian foreign policy.

Australia's Policy Towards Indonesia During the Confrontation, 196266
Australia's Policy Towards Indonesia During the Confrontation, 196266

Author: Hilman Adil

Publisher: Institute of Southeast Asian

Published:

Total Pages: 101

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Studies a high period of tension in the relations between the two countries, paying special attention to the impact of considerations of security in Australia's foreign policy towards Indonesia. This period saw a concerned Australian Government become deeply involved in the Confrontation conflict between Malaysia and Indonesia. In four chapters entitled 'Patterns of Australian Foreign Policy', 'The Setting of Australian Indonesian Relations During the Period of Confrontations Against Malaysia', 'Australia's Response to Indonesia's Opposition to the Malaysian Proposal', and 'Conclusion'. Contains an Appendix on the Manila Agreements.