The ‘Neighbour’ to our North: An examination of Australia’s Foreign Policy in relation to Indonesia from 1991-2006

Margaret Hanlon

Research program: Australia in the Asia-Pacific

The research seeks to examine public documents from December 1991 – December 2006 to provide an analysis of the foreign policy decisions of the successive Australian governments during this period in terms of Australia’s relationship with Indonesia.  The period in question covers the governments of Prime Ministers Keating and Howard.  The research will attempt to provide an analysis of the continuity, ambiguity, contradictions and outcomes of policy decisions. To what extent is there a change in policy or just a change in the details of the policy? The research aims to examine the core themes of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia during this period.  These include the impact of East Timor on the relationship, security interests, maritime policy, law enforcement and trade and aid in the service of politics. The research will also examine the various theoretical influences on the process of Australian foreign policy making.