Foreign Policy Essay, Research Paper

Politicss CAT 2

Analysis of Australian Foreign Policy with the United States since 1941

& # 8220 ; Australia looks to America, free of any stabs as to our traditional links or affinity with the United Kingdom & # 8221 ; . Curtin s historic address of December 1941 marked a extremist alteration in Australian foreign policy and the beginning of what would go a & # 8220 ; dynamic confederation relationship & # 8221 ; . The Australian-U.S relationship has, since it was officially established, undergone astonishing transmutations to go an confederation of several aspects.

In 1941 Australia turned to America for protection, chiefly due to a fear outlook in Australian society: that of invasion from our Asiatic opposite numbers. Therefore, ab initio the confederation was formed from a simple military petition, nevertheless, it evolved to a multi-dimensional confederation, partnership and friendly relationship embracing trade, security, and cultural and diplomatic links.

Of the several constituents of the relationship ( military, trade and diplomatic negotiations ) , the military facet formed the footing for the harmony and was built-in to Australia s endurance. The confederation, formed during World War Two, has been fortified and developed through much struggle ; & # 8220 ; in this century our bonds have genuinely been forged in the fires of war. War after war after war & # 8221 ; . Australian and American forces have fought aboard each other in both World Wars ( 1914-1918, 1939-1945 ) , Korea ( 1950-1953 ) , Vietnam ( 1962-1975 ) and in the Gulf ( 1990-1991 ) . Australia gave its support chiefly for reciprocality ; Australia backed America in the hope that the U.S would assist us in the hereafter if needed.

This sense of being Alliess in war was made functionary in 1951 when the ANZUS Treaty was formulated. Signed at the tallness of the anti-communist sentiment during the Korean War, ANZUS symbolizes & # 8220 ; a close alliance of digesting strategic involvements & # 8221 ; between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, and conventionally warrants that if any member is threatened it binds them to confer with to run into the common danger. ANZUS gratefully has ne’er been tested, nevertheless it still exists today.

Joint preparation exercisings are an of import facet of the confederation, particularly during peace clip. The largest and most recent preparation exercising was Tandem Thrust 97 and involved 17,000 American military personnels and 5000 Australian soldiers. In both preparation and in existent war & # 8220 ; the two authoritiess have emphasised a high grade of interoperability between their armed forces & # 8221 ; . There are besides three chief articulation installations in Australia, of which Pine Gap ( built in 1966 ) is the most important.

Trade and diplomatic negotiations are arguably less of import than security, nevertheless, they are both imperative to the prosperity of the partnership. Although the trade relationship evidently looms larger for Australia, the commercial relationship is critical to both states economic systems. The United States is Australia s 2nd largest trading spouse and largest investing spouse. In 1996 Australian imports from the U.S stood at $ 18 billion, while Australian exports to the U.S were valued at $ 5 billion. This created a bilateral trade shortage of about $ 13.1 billion. Regardless, America is a cardinal export market for Australia and & # 8220 ; has remained a major finish for our traditional agricultural exports & # 8221 ; plus such things as motor vehicle parts, bauxite and office equipment. Australia s long trading history with the U.S has by and large been noncontroversial, nevertheless, in 1985 the U.S introduced export subsidies, instituted through their Export Enhancement Program ( E.E.P ) , which meant that the U.S was underselling Australian monetary values in traditional Australian markets. A go oning beginning of clash, compounded by quotas on what they import, Australian entree to the U.S markets are badly limited, as evidenced by the 40 % lamb duties this twelvemonth.

Diplomacy, and heightening diplomatic links, between Australia and the U.S is seen as critical. & # 8220 ; The United States is of import to Australia because of the important influence it is able to exercise the United States is acute to procure Australia s support because of our repute as active, independent and influential & # 8221 ; . The two states, led by America, hold similar positions on a great many international political and security issues, nevertheless, Australia will non ever agree and will smartly prosecute its ain involvements.

Foreign Policy preparation is theoretically pluralist in nature ; affecting the cabinet formulating policy enterprises based on the bulk approbation of the legislative. However, in pattern the procedure is significantly different, and is characterised by an oligarchic, or even bossy method of preparation.

Foreign Policy preparation begins with the executive ; a policy is detailed by the Prime Minister and/or the Foreign Affairs Minister, frequently in audience with a Minister instantly concerned eg Defence, aided by the bureaucratism in Foreign Affairs. The community s reaction follows, with the media, force per unit area groups, sentiment leaders and backbench Parliamentarians noticing. A reaction, no affair how blatant, may act upon a Government s determination in future, nevertheless, & # 8220 ; seldom does a Government alteration its policy due to a reaction in the community & # 8221 ; .

The Prime Minister s ability to move on Foreign Policy affairs without wide audience is portion of the royal prerogative power and hence & # 8220 ; merely a smattering of affairs will impart themselves to all-out cabinet deliberation & # 8221 ; and even less to a ballot in parliament. Because of this, and the general deficiency of contention in Australia s Foreign Policy with the U.S, political parties, force per unit area groups and the media exert comparatively small influence upon the preparation procedure, and community involvement is normally merely fringy because & # 8220 ; seldom do Foreign Policy determinations affect electors & # 8221 ; .

Foreign Policy has seldom been an election issue due to bipartisanship between the two chief parties. Furthermore, there is frequently consensus within the general community, therefore the populace has by and large been conformable to reassign their power to two or three people in Government. However, this power can be regained by the people at any clip. This was illustrated during the Vietnam War, when Australia s engagement, linked with the extremely emotional issue of muster, became election issues on several occasions ( 1966, 1969 and 1972 ) .

The recent White Paper which commissioned a comprehensive reappraisal of Australia s Foreign and Trade Policies, marks a important alteration in Foreign Policy preparation. The extended consultative procedure, which occured in 1996, involved a panel of 16 influential and honored advisers, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. Consultation of organic structures outside the panel besides took topographic point ; prosecuting the sentiments and positions of State Governments, concern people, acedemics and non-government administrations. As a consequence, the P.M is markedly more informed and seemingly prepared to confer with on Foreign Policy issues, which historically has been missing.

Foreign Policy, in theory, is a procedure whereby wide engagement is paramount, nevertheless, in pattern we see that Foreign Policy preparation does non imply wide audience and is preponderantly developed by an sole coterie in Government. However, there are legion factors which can act upon the development of Foreign Policy. These can be categorised into internal and external.

The first of these factors, which is both internal and external, is Governments. Australian Governments, particularly two or three, have had great influence on our Foreign Policy with the U.S. Since 1941 there have been a figure of subjects evident. There has been strong support for ANZUS, and America on the whole. The Liberal/National Party Governments have unambiguously supported the confederation, as has the Australian Labor Party aside from strife over American bases in Australia, and muster for and engagement in Vietnam. Besides, there has been a greater move to independence on Australia s behalf, particularly since 1972.

American Presidents, from Roosevelt to Clinton, have enthusiastically endorsed the confederation. Undoubtedly the biggest influence American Government has had on Australian Foreign Policy was the determination to back up Australia. The United States entry into the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars, straight influenced Australia into making the same and back uping them. Therefore, as a consequence of the confederation, Australia entered three wars otherwise unnecessarily.

Foreign Policy since 1941 has seldom been an election issue due to the general deficiency of contention and bipartizan support for the confederation. Pressure groups and the general populace, which has shown inactive support, have played a minor function in Foreign Policy, nevertheless, during the Vietnam War moratorium Marches had a direct influence ; the Government was forced to scale down its committedness in Vietnam, despite the media s congruous position of pro-involvement. In 1990/91 peace groups protested against Australian engagement in the Gulf, but to small consequence. The National Farmers Federation has been vocal in its resistance to America s E.E.P, proposing that the Government should shut Pine Gap if the U.S would non abandon its export subsidies.

Defense mechanism motivations have greatly influenced Australian Foreign Policy with the U.S since 1941. The confederation, which finally forms the foundation for our Foreign Policy with the United States, was formed due to our deficiency of defense mechanism and fright of invasion. Australia stands to derive much from the close defense mechanism links ; non merely is at that place a warrant of protection, but chances to obtain arms and intelligence information.

The U.S has responded to universe events by following a Foreign Policy stance, and Australia has by and large responded in a similar manner, frequently in complete understanding. Such events/views include: resistance to Soviet uprise in Eastern Europe, support for the Truman Doctrine, belief in the Domino Theory, and more late, support for NATO in the Balkans. These and many other events, and America s response to them, have all influenced the preparation and execution of Australian Foreign Policy with the U.S since 1941.

Both Australia s and America s economic motivations and trading chances have influenced Australian Foreign Policy with the U.S. No uncertainty the U.S is an built-in portion of Australia s economic motivations ; nevertheless, America s economic aims have been somewhat controversial in the past 20 old ages ; with their increasing involvement in global trade, they have, from Australia s point of position, intruded upon Australia s markets in Asia ; seting them in direct competition. Through the execution of their E.E.P and quotas, the U.S has so influenced Australian Foreign Policy.

Australia s actions in relation to Foreign Policy with the U.S have by and large been reactive instead than proactive ; nevertheless, Australia has made a displacement towards independency and no longer mimics the U.S on issues. As antecedently discussed, Foreign Policy can merely be made by the authorities, nevertheless, there are both internal and external factors which can and make influence Australian Foreign Policy with the U.S.

Since 1941 there have been diverse effects, both positive and negative, on Australia as a consequence of Australia s Foreign Policy with the United States.

The effects on different facets of, and groups within, Australia have by and large been positive. The consequence on the populace has been positive, due to the normally noncontroversial nature of Foreign Policy, with the exclusion of the division in society during Vietnam. The consequence of the confederation on the media, which influences the populace, has been the positive portraiture of the relationship, particularly as much of the universe information we receive comes from America and is, arguably, biased. The consequence on the Australian armed forces has been mostly positive, with joint military preparation exercisings, intelligence sharing and arms promotions. However, our dependance on the U.S has led to the neglection of our defense mechanism forces. There have been black effects on Australian husbandmans, fueled by America s E.E.P and import quotas ; & # 8220 ; the U.S.A has virtually declared war on Australian wheat agriculturists & # 8221 ; . On the economic system, the consequence has been both positive and negative ; American investing has been and still is highly positive and a critical portion of our economic system, although this is overshadowed by the fact that a $ 6 billion trade shortage exists.

The effects on the cardinal elements of Australia s Foreign Policy with the United States are problematic. The most extended facet, security, has produced several positive and several negative effects. First, the confederation has given Australia protection by & # 8220 ; a great and powerful friend & # 8221 ; , which we would otherwise deficiency, and their support deters possible attackers. Under ANZUS, if Australia was attacked, America would come to our assistance ; & # 8220 ; America guarantees our security and is our defender & # 8221 ; . However, & # 8220 ; ANZUS truly guarantees nil in concrete footings & # 8221 ; and though it is extremely improbable that America would disregard Australia s supplication for aid, it is possible. In add-on, if they did non come to our deliverance, we would be in desperate passs as our dependance on the U.S has led to the neglection of our ain armed forces and deficiency of independency. Another negative consequence from the confederation is our engagement in wars. Australia has fought aboard America in three wars unnecessarily in order to back up the U.S. Although, Australia did battle for reciprocality ; & # 8220 ; it ( back uping America ) may hold grave effects, but it deepens the friendly relationship we need & # 8221 ; , and hence ensured that the U.S would support us in the hereafter. Besides, due to the American bases in Australia, there is added inducement for them to protect us. However, it could be argued that the bases make Australia a mark, though this besides seems improbable.

In the economic and diplomatic aspects the effects are non every bit problematic as with security. There is no uncertainty that Australia has benefited economically, particularly through U.S investing, nevertheless, & # 8220 ; the bilateral balance of trade has tilted significantly in favor of the U.S & # 8221 ; . Australia additions much military, economic and political know-how through audience with the U.S. On diplomatic affairs, there is tremendous force per unit area on Australia to follow and hold with the U.S due to our dependance on America.

It is clear that the confederation favors the U.S in all countries of Foreign Policy, with few negative effects ; the same can non be said for Australia. & # 8220 ; If the U.S confederation is an insurance policy, so the premiums Australia has paid, and is still paying, are inordinate & # 8221 ; ; nevertheless, it is however arguable that the confederation is more of import and valuable to Australia. Although the costs of the confederation for Australia have been inflated, that which Australia receives in return is invaluable.