Australia's foreign policy objectives and strategies

Australia's Foreign Policy

Australia has constantly been referred to as a middle power in terms of international relations. The term of "middle power" has been attributed to many other countries that have a saying in international relations, but that are not great powers. Although Australia is not one of the most important countries in the world in terms of international relations, it clearly plays a very important part as a political actor in regional and international politics. The fact that Australia is considered a middle power has an impact on its foreign policy agenda as there is definitely a lot less pressure on deciding in matters of foreign policy. Australia's foreign policy has influenced its image as a middle power and also its middle power status has influenced Australia's foreign policy.

Australia's foreign policy has always been connected with that of Great Britain, as Australia is part of the British Commonwealth, and with that of U.S. And other Western states. This orientation towards the west has always been obvious. It is particularly because of this historic influence in foreign affairs that Australia can not be considered one of the great powers as it always followed more powerful actors such as Britain or the U.S. In contrast with the relations that Australia always had with western nations, its relations with Asian nations, which are geographically closer, have been tightened only in recent history. Therefore, Australia is not exactly a great power in Asia. The status of middle power accurately describes the positioning of the country in relation with other nations in terms of international relations.

The fact that Australia is part of the British Commonwealth has had a great impact on its international relations. Not only that Australia followed the international policies dictated by Great Britain, but it also follows the same values and principles. Its historic development is closely linked with western values, which makes it difficult for the country to relate to its neighboring Asian nations. However, Asia remains the closest trading partner of Australia and it is only natural that the country's foreign policy is greatly focused on improving and maintaining relations with neighboring countries.

When speaking of a country's foreign policy, the most important aspect is to understand what the international line that the country follows is. Australia has always been a reliable partner of the West and has developed close relations with Western countries. This aspect is very important when analyzing the country's foreign policy especially in the current international arena when the war against terrorism represents one of the most debated subjects in international relations.

The term of middle power refers to the military and economic capabilities of a country, but most importantly it refers to the international influence that the country exercises. Australia has always proved to be a strong nation, both in economic and military terms. However, it is not one of the great powers according to its influence. Australia has always followed the directions proposed by its allies and although it proved to be a reliable partner, it was not the leading power. This middle power status is also available for Australia's foreign relations policy when referring to its participation in the international coalition against terrorism.

The middle power status confers certain powers to a country and acknowledges the importance of a nation. However, it also clearly states that there are other great powers which have a greater influence on international relations. The status of middle power conferred to Australia also gives it certain vulnerability at the international level as it states that the country is not strong enough to act on its own in terms of international affairs, at least not on the large scale. What Australia and many other middle powers understand and apply in their foreign affairs is that they need to have close allies so that they can count on their support. Australia's traditional allies have always been western states, with which Australia maintained excellent relations.

Despite some internal currents of opinion stating that the nation must focus its attention towards Asia and that it should distance itself from the west on the basis that the country was following too closely the policies dictated by U.S., Australia, through its Prime Minister, continued to tighten relations with U.S. And proved to be a reliable partner in the war against terrorism. Australia assumes the role of middle power and agrees to perform it in its best interest, allying with the great powers of the world. As a middle power, Australia soon realized its role on the international stage and tried to make the best out of its position. The decision of Prime Minister Howard to tighten relations with U.S. shows that the country is aware of its status and that it promotes in its foreign policy the best interest of the country. Middle powers are forced to be allies of other nations for security reasons. Australia realized that it should be a close ally of the one of the great powers, as the Prime Minister stated referring to the relation with U.S.: "the most important we have with any single country."

After 9/11, the alliance between Australia and U.S. was even further tightened as Australia showed its full commitment in supporting the war initiated by the U.S. Australian officials have made it clear ever since that the decisions of their government will take into consideration the decisions of its allies and will follow these decisions. The middle power status makes it impossible for Australia to define its foreign policy without taking into consideration the initiatives of its allies, especially those of Great Britain or the U.S. As a middle power, Australia must constantly develop friendly relations with other nations, first of all on the basis of security reasons. A close cooperation with greater powers assures Australia more security and this is the most important thing in international relations.