Australia Essay

A significant change was seen for Australian Foreign Policy during the years of the Hawke and Keating governments. The 1980s saw Australia invested considerable time, money, intellectual capital and political energy in attempts to mitigate the growth of economic conflict between the major players that now existed (Cooper, Higgott, Nossal 1993, pg. 5). However it was during the 1980s that the world became divided as global change defined the decade. The Cold War removed the (artificial) dividing lines, as the worlds conflicts were now region/ ethnic based, as the conflict became the feature of international politics. Despite the world caught between two major powers attempting to be seen as the ultimate superpower, during 1983 a more detailed focus on Australia’s economy took place. Before 1983, Australia had an economy that was structured in reverse which made many economists question the country’s long held ideals. Due to the high unemployment rates and that commodities were vulnerable to the

Another prospect is Australia’s mineral resources. Australia is predicted to be holding much of iron ore, coal etc. This means that we are on top of vast resources that can be sold to other countries. Japan would benefit as it purchases a large amount of our coal and iron ore. This advantage could also be used to lever a FTA with the Japanese. The infinite capabilities of Japanese technology would allow Australia to keep up with the world in many areas. Of course, most of these are technologically related.

Australia’s trading links with the Asia-Pacific Region holds geopolitical influences with other countries in the Asia-Pacific. By being a founding member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Australia has set the standards for trading agreements. For example; China and Hong Kong decided to join APEC two years after its foundation after seeing the success and future potential. Many countries like India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Columbia and Mongolia have pledged their interest in joining and sharing in APEC’s

Globalisation is the process which business or other organization interact and integrate with the people, companies, and governments of the other countries. Globalisation can help a country by improving their economy welfare but at the same time. It has change the world by the effects on culture, and industry. With globalisation, most people life standard has improved by having cheaper and more choices products. Other than the increasing of life standard, local industry have been affected by the globalisation because there are more multinational firms moving into the nation which provide cheaper price for the local residents.

Along with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Singapore, Australia is party to the Five Power Defence Arrangements, a regional defence agreement. A founding member country of the United Nations, Australia is strongly committed to multilateralism and maintains an international aid program which supports around 60 countries today, quite amazing right?Calculations made during 2005-2006 shows that Australia is giving about A$2.5 billion every year to developing countries. Australia ranks 15th overall in the Center for Global Development's 2012 Commitment to Development Index.

Australia and Australians naturally pursue to advance and maintain the security, economic prosperity and advocate our liberal democratic values by committing and showcasing them internationally. These three aspects are crucial and considered Australia’s key national interests due to their importance and essential benefits. Defence can support and aid us in recovery when we face unpredictable events of adversity. Our liberal democracy demonstrates a strong belief and core system which allows Australians to have political and economic freedom whilst having an approach to international affairs. Australia’s liberal democracy is also strongly linked to and requires a stable and resourceful economy in order for it to function. This enables

Focussing Australia’s aid on the Indo-Pacific region leads to regional dominance, which in turn affords Australia certain privileges within the international community. Australia is the largest (in terms of population and military strength) and most economically developed state in Oceania, this awards her with certain privileges and if she were to stop giving aid within the region those privileges could be revoked, (Schwebel 2009). These privileges include being a member of the G20, and if Australia were to stop giving aid many countries would cease to see her as a good international citizen, which could have dire effects for Australia, (Beeson 2015). Aid also allows Australia to maintain her dominance as a regional power. It continues to solidify regional partnerships in the face of increasing interest in the region from emerging donors such as China, (Lowy Institute 2015). Australia must thus continue giving aid within the Indo-Pacific region lest her place as a regional power be overtaken by an emerging donor, (Hayward-Jones 2013). Australia is most effective at distributing aid in the Indo-Pacific region. Henceforth, focussing on the Indo-Pacific region allows Australia to create the most difference; she plays into the role of a good international citizen by taking care of her surrounding neighbourhood, (DFAT 2015). Australia’s international standing is seen to be at her highest when Australia’s influence over the region is at its strongest, (Bishop 2013). It is in Australia’s best national interest to retain a good international standing, maintaining a dominant role in the region through aid affords her this privilege. –

Trade is a fundamental component of the Australian economy as it is through international trade that Australia is able to attain goods, services, resources and ideas.

Helping Vietnam overcome poverty and gain sustainable development is in Australia’s national interest and important for regional prosperity and security. ”

Australia’s links with Japan are the closest and most mature in Asia, and are vitally important to both countries ' strategic and economic interests. The relationship

In November 2011, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and US president Barack Obama announced to Australian parliament a number of joint military initiatives the two countries would undertake as a part of the US strategy to rebalance towards the Pacific region. While touring the US in 2013, Prime Minister Gillard continued to convey her support during a speech to congress where she proclaimed, “you have a true friend down under.” However, does this sentiment place Australia in a conflicted position given its perceived economic reliance on Chinese trade? This paper argues this is not the case. Furthermore, Australia has the potential to assist the US with their strategic intent by increasing security and stability throughout the

The last few decades has seen the increase of Australia’s position and influence around the world. This is due to the joint operations and activities that the Australian and American army participates in. The significance of joint training operations creates an ideal position for Australia in terms of security and integration. As well as this, the US has a powerful and technologically advanced military base. Australia benefits from this alliance as it provides resources for personnel performance and military equipment, which would otherwise by

For example, with consideration to Australia’s bi-lateral relationship with Indonesia, scholars argue the relationship experiences destabilisation due to the two countries not ‘knowing’ each other. Research has also identified a number of people from Asian countries have little knowledge of Australia, except through the focus of koalas and kangaroos., while some Asian minorities consider Australia as white and racist. If Australia wants to maintain strong relations and prosperity in the Asian century, Australia should be prepared to use soft power tools particularly through the arts and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to promote Australia and create an image of what Australia

Australians role in the Asia Pacific region is an important economic growth in Australia. The common trade began in 1989, and is creating a seamless regional economy. The purpose of trade is to ultimately provide the state with a unique set of opportunities and creates a greater understanding of employment and quality of living. Australia is known to provide the state with a set of opportunities.

Australia is a developed democratic nation with stable business environment. It has very diverse and competitive market. The open structure of Australian markets attracts FDI and greatly compliments its trade imports and exports.