Foreign Policy

Topic Outline

Australia's foreign policy is defined by its bilateral and multilateral relationships and attitudes taken to international questions. Contemporary Australian foreign policy seeks to maintain national security, promote economic and trade interests, expand regional and global links, and promote the nation as a good global citizen. In terms of the policy making process, foreign policy is unique. In contrast to domestic policy, little needs to be legitimised through legislation, rarely does it directly affect the electorate and, despite its importance in advancing Australia's interests, is not often regarded as a major political issue. This topic requires students to analyse the key elements of Australia's foreign policy and the factors which affect its formulation and implementation.

The study of foreign policy will include:

• foreign policy formulation and implementation
  • role of the Ministers (Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Trade, Prime Minister)
  • role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • role of other influences on policy formulation including international and domestic events, pressure groups, the opposition, public opinion, the backbench, Parliament and the media

• key security elements
  • formal agreements and treaties
  • regional security issues and involvements
  • Australia's security relationship with the United States
  • arms control

• key economic and trade elements
  • relationship between foreign policy and trade
  • Australia's relationship with its key trading partners

• Australia's responsibilities as a global citizen
  • membership of the United Nations
  • foreign aid
  • formal agreements and treaties - Maritime, WTO and APEC specifically
  • human rights and refugee issues
  • environmental issues

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