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Australias Foreign Relationships From 1945-1990

Australia as a developed country has sought to foster successful relationships with other such countries with like-minded interests. In times of war and uncertainty, these relationships would render assistance to each other and various treaties and alliances emphasised this obligation and sense of loyalty to the other country. Post World War II Australia established itself as a nation that was bi-partisan by not seeking special relationships with other countries and furthering the cause of others such as independence in the Dutch East Indies. This bi-partisanship ended when the Menzies Government was elected in 1949 and the new threat of communism emerged in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia joined with the United States of America to fight against communism –effectively souring relations between Russia and other Asian nations, whilst seeking to maintain its ties with Britain. The fear of communism expressed by these nations eventuated into the start of the Korean War and Malayan Emergency where under the ANZUS and SEATO treaties, Australia rushed to aid US forces in their efforts to stop the expansion of communism. This continued in the Vietnam War where once again Australia's relations with the US were becoming stronger with the increasing aid that was being offered in the war. After these wars, Australia started to strengthen its ties in the Asian region with Gough Whitlam recognising China as a nation in 1972 and meeting Chairman Mao. Australia partaking in many economic summits and fostering relations in this prospering region ultimately promoted unity between the nations providing many tangible benefits to Australia.

In 1949, a new agenda in foreign relations was formulated in response to the increased threat of Communist Asian invasion occurring on Australian soil. This policy intended to strengthen Australia's relationships with developed democratic countries (namely Britain and the United States) in military and economic aspects. The...

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