Australian foreign policy and Africa, 1972-1983

Abstract

This thesis examines Australian foreign policy with a focus on relations with Africa. I contrast the foreign policy position of the Whitlam Labor Party government with the international policies of the Fraser Liberal and Country Parties government. The structure of analysis demonstrates the links between general and specific elements of foreign policy. I discuss Australia's relations with the United States, approach on the Indian Ocean region, voting pattern at the United Nations, and role in the Commonwealth. I also examine Australia's policies in relation to the demands of developing countries in general, and study the positions of Whitlam and Fraser on China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. This narrowing of analysis culminates with an investigation into Australian foreign policy on Africa, particularly South Africa and Rhodesia. The comparison of the foreign policies of the Whitlam and Fraser governments illustrates the extent of change and continuity in Australia's international position over time. I argue that Whitlam and Fraser produced similar foreign policy positions on Africa from different political perspectives. I also argue that Whitlam and Fraser established an anti-racist and anti-colonial foreign policy for Australia.