INAF-413 Australia, Asia and the World-Australian Foreign Policy in Perspective

Professor Vaughn

Australia is generally well loved but little understood by Americans. Australia is one of America's closest allies. It has fought along side America in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as most of the United States' other conflicts. Australia plays an active role in promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. It is a middle power that also supports the United Nations and works to foster a positive set of international norms. This introductory to intermediate-level course will begin with the domestic context of Australian foreign policy formation before going on to examine key aspects of Australia's engagement with the world including the role that Australia has played in fighting the war against terror. As part of an exploration of Australian identities and alignments, the course will focus on Australia's ANZUS alliance with the United States. It will also delve into Australia's key relationships with Southeast Asia, the Southwest Pacific, New Zealand and the great powers. It will address nuclear issues, the environment, foreign aid, human rights, globalization and trade and will examine the nation's involvement in the arc of instability to the north of Australia. A key theme that will run throughout the course is how Australia's engagement with Asia is challenging its identity as a people and whether Australia must as a result choose between its history and its geography.

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2008-2009 Fall and Spring
• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

More information
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