Tradition, myth and the dilemma of Australian foreign policy

Editor's Choice: A look at current academic articles on Australia and the Asia Pacific region

Jones, DM & Benvenuti, A – ‘Tradition, myth and the dilemma of Australian foreign policy’, Australian Journal of International Affairs (60:1) March 2006

Australia has always had to deal with two distinct foreign policy traditions and the myths that sustain them. On the one hand, Australia is seen as a Western outpost, sharing a close relationship with the United States and viewing the region with some suspicion. On the other, Australia looks to engage the region and place emphasis on its geographical position and neighbours. While analysis of these positions is nothing new, Jones and Benvenuti argue that with the region becoming an ever more “interesting” place, these opposed traditions and myths are presenting Australia and its foreign policy with a clear security dilemma. The rise of China and the concerns it raises in the United States, as well as the absence of an invitation for the US to attend the East Asia Summit clearly indicates the divergence of foreign policy choices facing Australia. As Asia continues to abandon the unrest of post-World War II, it is a region of unforeseen interest and is forcing Australia to once again assess its position on foreign policy objectives.

Luke Easey

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