Australian Foreign Policy

A country’s offical stance in affairs regarding other nations is described by the term foreign policy. Foreign policy concerns issues such as defence and security, human rights, foreign aid and international trade, and is influenced by both national and international factors. Australia’s British heritage, yet increasingly evident multicultural society, and the nation’s geographical location are national features that impact foreign policy, while international factors include alliances, trade, organisations, and global disasters. In specific circumstances nations use instruments such as propaganda, diplomacy, secret intervention and possibly military force to attain objectives supported in the foreign policy (Hoepper, Henderson, Gray, Hennessey,

The foreign policy belonged to the Empire” (The Courier Mail, 1901), a belief that was continued through Australian foreign policy until Curtin’s term in government proceeded. This distinctly implicates that Australia’s traditional ties with Great Britain were influential, and that we were, indeed, preoccupied with the superpower protection provided by the Mother Land. Australia had previously ‘lent’ troupes to Great Britain in order to demonstrate its commitment and maintain a secure relationship. From Australia’s population of merely 4 million at the time, more than 300,000 Australian troupes merged with Great Britain, creating the First Australian Imperial Force which combatted in World War I. World War II, however, saw such excessive commitment, that Australian defence began to struggle (Livingstone 2006). Curtin's revelation to appeal to America for support was taken by surprise by Australian society; in the Melbourne Herald on the 27th of December 1941, he expressed publicly: “Without any inhibitions of any kind, I make it clear that Australia looks to America, free of any pangs as to our traditional links or kinship with the United Kingdom,” (Curtin, 1941). British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, was indignant to the Curtin’s declaration, feeling insulted by his decision to look to America. Curtin challenged previous concepts, establishing a turning for Australian foreign policy in 1941, he explored a contemporary foreign policy involving America as Australia’s superpower protection. However, despite a turning point occurring within the policy, Australia remained fixated on the notion of dependence, a traditional theme that continued beyond John Curtin’s term in power (Livingstone