Analysis of Australia's International Relations

The provided document is an assignment on the analysis of Australia's international relations, specifically focusing on its foreign policy and regional connections with Asia. The assignment covers various topics such as Australia-India Framework for Security Cooperation, Southeast Asia in the new world order, political and government connections on corporate boards in Australia, revitalizing the rebalance, and more. It includes references to academic papers, books, and online sources for further research. This document is suitable for students looking for past papers and solved assignments related to international relations, foreign policy, and regional studies.

Politics of Australia and Asia Relations

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................4
Engagement with Asia.................................................................................................................4
Responsibility for foreign policy making (Australia)..................................................................5
The English school......................................................................................................................6
Realism........................................................................................................................................8
Good Global Citizen (Labor tradition)........................................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Australia shares special proximity with Asia which is specifically applies to south Asia.
Australia and India both were part of British Empire before independence and were members of
common wealth nations. Politics of Australia and Asia, cannot claim any particular advantage
apart from energy and resources over Advanced western economies with regard to entrée in
wider Asia. The discussion will outline three implication that is Engagement with Asia,
Responsibility for foreign policy making, The English school, Realism and good global citizen to
understand Australia Asia relations.
MAIN BODY
The current issues of Australia-Asia relations are the struggle of Australia to keep Asian as
priority because Australia is preoccupied with issues of US and china. Further, Australia needs to
outline difference between objectives of Australian and Asian policy (Asialink and Milner,
2018). Like struggle between major powers to support in cold war and long anxiety in Asians
regions.
Engagement with Asia
Historical introduction
The ideas of Australian related to Asia pacific region are historically inherent, the initial
attempts to see Australia in the regional context can determined at the time of first world was. A
pacific branch was established in the year 1917 within the prime minister’s department. The
Pacific was a favoured term in the 1930s due to the reason that United states was a part of the
pacific and it made Australia seem less exposed to Asia. Australia has been a part of the English-
speaking world, it has established and maintained good relations mainly with the United states
and United Kingdom (Burton, and Wurfel, 2016). Though these relations have negatively
affected in the last two decades. The end of cold war gave rise to the need of a more fluid
environment in the Asia-pacific and therefore it enforced a gradual shift in the orientation of
Australia’s foreign policy. The nation changed its focus on regional approach rather than
continuing with global tactic.
Realism and international relations
Realism can define strategic posture of Australia; the country has the twenty sixth biggest
military forces in the world if values in terms of firepower and 14th largest in terms of
expenditure. In the south west pacific, Australia is a huge military power & important player in

the Asia pacific. For various reasons consisting geographical expanse, demographic size and
cultural exceptionalism, Australia has assumed that it is not capable of self-defence always.
Reflecting the requirement for higher economic engagement with East Asia, since the 1980s
strategic focus of Australia has supposedly changed to the region where its most essential
economic partners are now situated (Gray, Harymawan and Nowland, 2016). From a trading
point of view, Japan and China provide Australia with its most crucial export markets- primarily
natural resources & it is no embellishment to state that the economic future of country and
prosperity are knotted to East Asia. Yet, long standing cultural, political and strategic
relationships reassert themselves during the time of global crisis. Military commitments to wars
against Afghanistan and Iraq were commenced with regional consultation.
Australia's public diplomacy program
Programs for public diplomacy are essential elements of the international policies of various
countries, mainly the super-powers such as China & India in Asia as well as the European.
Institutions such as The Goethe Institute, the British council, the United Sates information
service and Alliance Francoise are active all around the world and operate with budgets that run
to millions of dollars (Zhu, 2016). Australia has directed a very little focus on public diplomacy
recently. There are many reasons for this, unlike other countries such as Germany after the War
Australia do not have a reputation to re-establish. Australians have not observed any requirement
in the propaganda movements which were the public face of the Cold War. Australia & Asia are
reducing cultural distance though public diplomacy.
Responsibility for foreign policy making (Australia)
Debates and multiple Dilemmas that defines foreign policy in Australia
For decades the alliance with the United States has been at the heart of Australia’s defence
policy. This relationship has been repeatedly strengthened and reaffirmed by both Labour and
Coalition governments, demonstrating the bipartisan commitment to it. During the foreign policy
formation, the Australian prime minister has also confirmed that there could be some tension
between US and China in future. Also, the government of China has analysed the growing
tensions between economic and security interests within the Asia-Pacific region and the Abbott
government’s efforts to reconcile these interests. The new defence white paper published by the
Australian government encompasses the global strategic worrying landscape.
Australia’s relationship with China and Indonesia

China is Australia’s largest trading partner and the country has invested a huge amount in
the Australian mining companies. This has assisted Australia in growing. Both the countries have
been engaged actively whether it is economically, culturally or politically. It has also been
analysed that the number of people seeking mental asylum in Australia has been tripled. The
people from China who are seeking mental asylum in Australia are majority arriving from plane
on tourist visa or study visa.
Australia’s foreign policy relationship with Asia
Australia’s one of the largest trading partner is Asia. China has made huge investment in
Australia. They have an agency in Beijing. They also have an agency in Canberra. Various
foreign policy has also been implemented (Ang, Isar and Mar, 2015). Australia and China have
also collaborated for implementing climate change policy. They have launched the bilateral
climate change partnership. This partnership has been implemented within both the countries for
sustainable development. In the norms and rules are been made on creating environmental
awareness and reducing the pollution. Both the countries will be benefited by this policy. They
have also signed a free trade policy between them. China and Australia are also involved in
making policies related to defence (Pietsch and Clark, 2014). This has made their bond stronger.
In relation to climate change policy it has been analysed that there is Australia’s national interest
in collaborating with China in relation to security issues. Australia should consider expanding the
scope of its cooperation by working with China on its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly
in relation to sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific. Engaging with BRI will assist the
country in gaining environmental advantage (Brewster, 2015). By this they can create
environment awareness among local people. This would empower the Australia’s relationship
with Asia. India also shares diplomatic relationship with Australia, they have a close tie and most
of the time common wealth games are also being held over there.
The English school
The Australia and Asia involvement with Asia learning across the curriculum priority which
is based on region of Australia which shares diverse history, societies, cultures, geographies,
languages, cultures, etc. Diversity of Asia is one of the major reasons which helps in
transforming regardless of changing system and regulations. The English school depicts
international relations which is known as liberal realism or International society school. The
classical English school emerged with realist assumption of foreign system which enables

interaction of two or more states. It is regulated by International relation theory which underlines
tradition of school on the basis of two concepts that is power politics and realism (Murray,
2018). The interaction of two states influence decision of Australia and Asia as whole. The
concepts work for Australia and Asia with international law and balance of power which is
mutual recognition of two regions.
The English school focuses on foreign policy of Australia which deals with key concerns
that is terrorism, free trade, economic cooperation, refugees. Mckeil and Stivatchis, 2018
outlined about the threats possessed by transnational terrorism which was affiliated domestic
groups in south Philippines in parts of Malawi city before five months of succumbing to
Philippine forces of counterterrorism. The counterterrorism risk in Southeast Asia when
Australia announced assistance to Philippines by focusing on intelligence sharing providing post
rehabilitation efforts across civil and military spheres and by increasing bilateral maritime
reconnaissance. In addition, Australia is a part of FATF which is financial Action Task force that
is co- chair APG group that is Asia pacific group which focuses on money laundering. Burton,
and Wurfel, 2016, articulated about Amendment bill on Counter terrorism and Anti money
laundering which was initiated to close gap between e regulations and reach of investigation. In
this Australia announced additional 33.7 million US $ to strengthen AUSTRAC. On the day of
amendment Australia redirected 4.3 million US $ from proceeds of crime with the motive of
expanding across internationals boundaries from Philippines and Indonesia to China, Malaysia,
UK, US and middle east (Chapter 1. Country Reports: East Asia and Pacific, 2017).
According to Nethery and Gordyn, 2014, in Asian societies focuses on developing
understanding and knowledge aver wide concepts and varieties that is different cultures, beliefs,
norms, etc. The Asian individual are aware about wide range of language and culture across the
globe. Asian literacy encourages communication and engagement of people for boosting
individual ability to learn and work with different people from different regions. However, Green
and Cooper, 2014, stated about ability of Australian are active and informed and work with
harmony with regional, local and global communities. Mckeil and Stivatchis, 2018, outlined
about labour government which encouraged Australia diplomatic credentials as in independent
middle power and activist. In this Labour claimed that Australia was acting as middle power and
developing a novel diplomatic reaction to challenges and risk of post-cold war world.

Realism
It is school of thought which is related to international relations theory. As per theory it is
clear that Asian neighbour of Australia are developing countries that is china, japan which has
shown tremendous growth and strong stand as individual economy. Australia is 6th among 11
important export market and 5 among 13 import which are specifically in South East Asia and
East Asia. This has increased recognition of economic relationship and therefore known as new
realism of Australian foreign relations (Aid, trade and the ‘new realism’: Australia's links with
East and South‐East Asia, 2007). Apart from this, realism of Australia and Asia is depicted in
approach of government on trade and foreign policy which is focused on strengthening bilateral
relationship of regions. Like Australia is working on global initiatives like Chemical Weapons
Convention which aim at strengthening bilateral relationship with Asian countries.
Bull, 2012, highlighted policy of Australians for China after birth of Chinese communist in
1949. The participation of Australia in Vietnam and Korean War developed real sense for China.
This helped in realism because the support helped in providing support to North Vietnamese and
Koreans who were enemy of Australians. Apart from this, election of Labour government in
1972 emerged as recognition of China Policy. The government lived for short span because its
bilateral relationship with China was arguable with reference to development of Australia in
international affairs specially for Asia pacific region.
Good Global Citizen (Labor tradition)
Australia established it G20 Asia Pacific force is encouraging new force for promoting
involvement in Asian Century. Japan has replaced United Kingdom as Australia which is a major
trading partner within which involvement of Asia and pacific began. The relationship of
Australia and Asia is seen in 4 overlapping waves that is Black Jack’s shore break in Japan in
during 1957-72 where trade minister of Australia John Black signed commercial agreement with
Japan which boosted trade between both regions specifically of Iron ore, Coal and natural gas.
With this Japan has become good trading partner and devasted by war into successful global
economy. Thus, it can be sad that agreement between Japan and Australia has proved to be
effective for Japan for becoming Good global citizen. Further, second wave was about reaching
out to China in 1972-82 where Japan managed to re-enter world economy (Australia and Asia:
The power of proximity, 2018). Second waved discussed about relation of Australia and China

which was boosted after Australian support to China for entering into World trade organisation
after which China and Australia become key trading partner.
However, third wave was about breaking down the tariff wall in 1983-2008 where
Australian economy experienced recession regardless of availability of resources. The region
undergone double digital unemployment. In this situation the reforms of government drifted
Australia towards Asia. In accordance with these regions helped in managing social harmony
with the support of ACTU Australian Council of Trade Unions. The cooperation among
economies led to boost where financial markets reformed, new health care and pension scheme
was launched and education standards were reformed which helped Australia and Asia in
managing economic productivity. The fourth wave is about Global engagement in Asian
Century. The change was different for Australia where platforms of ASEAN India and China
approached to new frontier markets which were opening up in new places like Myanmar, Laos,
Cambodia, Central Asia, etc. This, it can be said that in last wave Australia and Asia relationship
undergone tremendous changes but at last it proved to be beneficial for success of economies
which helped in managing image of Good Global Citizen with successful engagement.
CONCLUSION
The report summarized about Australia and Asia relationship in the basis of three
perspective that is Engagement with Asia, Responsibility for foreign policy making, The English
school, Realism and good global citizen.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ang, I., Isar, Y.R. and Mar, P., 2015. Cultural diplomacy: beyond the national
interest?. International Journal of Cultural Policy. 21(4). pp.365-381.
Brewster, D., 2015. The Australia–India Framework for Security Cooperation: Another Step
Towards an Indo-Pacific Security Partnership. Security Challenges. 11(1). pp.39-48.
Burton, B. and Wurfel, D. eds., 2016. Southeast Asia in the new world order: the political
economy of a dynamic region. Springer.
Gray, S., Harymawan, I. and Nowland, J., 2016. Political and government connections on
corporate boards in Australia: Good for business?. Australian Journal of
Management. 41(1). pp.3-26.
Green, M.J. and Cooper, Z., 2014. Revitalizing the rebalance: How to keep US focus on
Asia. The Washington Quarterly. 37(3). pp.25-46.
Nethery, A. and Gordyn, C., 2014. Australia–Indonesia cooperation on asylum-seekers: a case of
‘incentivised policy transfer’. Australian Journal of International Affairs. 68(2). pp.177-
193.
Pietsch, J. and Clark, M., 2014. Indonesia-Malaysia relations: Cultural heritage, politics and
labour migration. Routledge.
Zhu, Z., 2016. China's new diplomacy: Rationale, strategies and significance. Routledge.
Online
Asialink and Milner, A., 2018. Four challenges for Australia–ASEAN relations. [Online].
Available through: < https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2018/03/15/four-challenges-for-
australia-asean-relations/ >.
Chapter 1. Country Reports: East Asia and Pacific. 2017. [Online]. Available through: <
https://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2017/282842.htm>.
Mckeil, A.C and Stivatchis, Y., 2018. The English School World Society Debate: A Forum
Article. [Online]. Available through: < https://www.e-ir.info/2018/03/16/the-english-
school-world-society-debate-a-forum-article/>.
Murray, R. W., 2018. System, Society & the World: Exploring the English School of
International Relations. [Online]. Available through: <

https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/181081/Exploring-the-English-School-e-International-
Relations.pdf>.
Australia and Asia: The power of proximity. 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<http://oecdobserver.org/news/fullstory.php/aid/4548/Australia_and_Asia:_The_power_o
f_proximity.html >.
Aid, trade and the ‘new realism’: Australia's links with East and South‐East Asia. 2007.
[Online]. Available through:
<https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00049188808702958>.
Bull, H., 2012. Idealism and Realism in Australian Foreign Policy. [Online]. Available through:
< http://www.gevans.org/speeches/speech482.html>.