Australian Foreign Policy

• • • Situating Australia in International affairs (1901 to the present).
  • • The Australia-US Alliance: a key pillar of Australian foreign policy.
  • • Australia and the rise of China.
  • • Australia and Japan: allies in the making?
  • • Australia’s relations with Indonesia: proximity and necessity.
  • • Australia and the ‘arc of instability’ in the South Pacific.
  • • Australian development assistance: diplomacy by other means?

Others

Prerequisites: Students must have completed 60 Credit points of Level two subjects. Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed POL2AAW (Australian Foreign Policy) are ineligible to enrol in this subject .

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

In this subject we survey the development of Australian foreign policy. We begin with an historical overview of foreign policy, highlighting the core concepts and themes required to interpret and evaluate the conduct of foreign affairs. We then survey the key issues in foreign policy-making and Australia's major foreign relations. Issues include: strategic culture, internationalism and dependence on 'great and powerful friends'. Relationships covered include the United States, China, Japan, Indonesia and the South Pacific. We conclude with an appraisal of recent opportunities and challenges, successes and failures, such as responding to the 'China Choice', interventions in the South Pacific and active participation in the 'war of terror'.

• Tutorial exercises (Approx. 2000 words). Students will be provided weekly summaries of class performance in tutorial exercises. (50%)
• 2,000-word essay. Written feedback will be provided including an assessment rubric. (50%)

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).