Political Science

A foreign policy of every country reflects its diplomatic considerations on how a country interacts with other nations and other non-state actors. In most cases, the formulation of a foreign policy is dictated by domestic deliberations, the conduct of other states in relation to the nation and other arrangements that are aimed at helping the country advance in global arena. Foreign policies are commonly referred to as international relations and their influence is seen in the extent and form of which a country participates in the political, social-economic and military activities of other nations. These policies are conducted through diplomatic missions and embassies established between one nation and another.

Most of the present day policies employed by Australia have been as a result of an on-going strategic approach which the country has resulted to in the aim of improving how the country is regarded in the playing field of international arena by other nations. Most of these policies have put Australia at a favourable point between independence and dependence as a nation. Previously, Australia had been participating behind the shadows of the policies under influence of Britain and United States. The lack of independence in the foreign policies employed by Australia had been influenced by her historic background (Firth, 2005, p.12). In more than one period, Australia has been forced by circumstances to employ dependent foreign policy behaviour that conforms to the ideals of its two traditional allies which are Britain and United States. Basically, the early position and interests of this country were reflected by the choices of British population who were always on the helm of leadership and they always looked up for support and guidance from Britain in regard to cultural and socio-political issues in pre and post-independence period (Waters, 2005, p.157). Such loyalty was the major factor in its dependence on the policy guidance from Britain.

However, it took some wise considerations from its policy makers who realized that the country was facing some discriminating isolation from its two partners resulting from its geographic location. In addition, the country was being faced by a real threat from emerging powers from Asia, competition in the world market and the need to have a say in the socio-political issues of the world. This led to the country see the need to reconsider its relations with other members in the world.  In retrospect to its past, the first actions towards independence in foreign policy deliberations started in 1937 when the Office of Foreign Affairs was re-established (Gyngell, Wesley, 2003, p.19). This was followed by setting up of foreign missions in some major parts of the world. However, the onset of Second World War and the consequent defeat of British by Japanese in the fight for Singapore in 1942 made Australia shift its reliance on British for security to US to save it from the real threat posed by Japan. The decline in British supremacy in economic and military capacity led to a new pledge of loyalty which has continued up to date in the areas of military support from US. This was seen through the formation of Australian New Zealand United States treaty (ANZUS).

However, lack of clear commitment of United States to support Australia unless its interests were under threat led to the rethinking of Australia of its foreign policies in relation to other neighbouring countries. At this same period, Australia felt that it was being sidelined during the World War II and its concerns were being overlooked by Britain and United States. In addition, the county wanted to have a say in the direction of the war. In the fear of being sidelined, Australia pushed for policies that would ensure it would not be treated as a junior member in the war (Firth, 2005, p.52).  Regardless of the criticism the country faced from its two allies, the country became even more determined to let its voice be heard in the word through increased participation in the activities of the United Nations.

Australia also started to participate in European Market as an independent state which came with it the change over from conservative policies to more independent foreign policy styles. This was followed by the some changes in political and economic field at the global arena where new economies emerged as super powers. The competition of economic supremacy between US and other Asian countries like Japan and China and other emerging economies has continued to guide the setting up of favourable foreign policies in Australia (Chalk, 2001, p.24). After 1980s, Australia increased its emphasis from multilateral approach to building of capacity in its international relations. By 1990s, Australia devised a middle power approach to its foreign policy. This coincided with a period when most of the cold war structures were on the verge of collapse. This was done through a number of high power initiatives which included, involvement in peace building in Cambodia through control of arms and disarmament of fighting groups and protection of nearby Antarctic environment. These approaches has helped Australia to gain a lot of support and recognition from like minded countries which has became a key feature in distinguishing Australias relation with most of secondary powers in the years following the cold war (Ungerer, 2007, p.71). This has set the turning point where Australia has seen the benefits of pursuing a middle power status in foreign policy that ensures its economic and military survival in relation to other members of world.

This has played a big role in increasing its profile in the international policy making bodies like the UN. The revoking of the ANZUS treaty by the Australia in 2001 following the 911 attacks on the US shows a significant progress in the independence approach on the Australian foreign policies. In addition, Australias participation in the environmental issues such as Kyoto Protocol and Copenhagen Environmental summit is a clear indication of its pursuance of global issues as an independent nation with its own distinctive policies.

However, this has not ended up the pattern of dependence on its historic partners. The great association with Asian countries as economic partners has not limited the dependence of Australia on US on its foreign policy in matters of Military operations. Most of its foreign partners fully recognise the support this country enjoys from countries like US and Britain. With the slow action of United Nations in the times of crisis, Australia can easily count on the support of US and Britain at such a critical time (Waters, 2005, 149).

In summary it is with no doubt that the middle power approach employed by the Australian government in the formulation of its foreign policies has not gone to waste. The approach has helped the country to achieve a balance between dependence and independence from its traditional allies. In addition, Australia has employed this aspect to gain both economic and security link between both developed and developing nations. The balance between these two will play a big role in Australias bid for a seat on the Security Council of the UN in 2012. However, there are some proponents within its political system who believes that the country should adopt policies that help the country play a more pivotal role in the world affairs.