In What Ways Can Australia Use Multilateralism to Effectively Pursue Its Foreign Policy Objectives - Essay Example

? Introduction In the world politics, Multilateralism has increasingly accepted as a modus operandi and the concept has a large base in the global environmental politics. This is because the world over nations have come to realize that challenges such as security, human rights abuse, disease control, pollution and peacekeeping are so wide that they cannot be handled by just a few or a single nation no matter how powerful they may be (Sampson & Woolcock 2003). A bigger number of issues that are handled in the multilateral context are environmental in nature and because these issues are so hard to be handled by just a single nation, the input of all nations is called for. Within the international platform, countries are grouped according to their strength and Australia happens to fall under the category of the middle power nations (2013). In the international system, it is as well the prerogative of each nation to fight for their space on the decision making table. Multilateralism as an effort to coordinate the policies of two or more nations together can hence be used by Australia (Beeson 2011). This is supported by the fact that the hierarchy places Australia at a point where it is able to bring together the lower power and the top power as an intermediary. Australia’s diplomatic practice has a strong foundation and has existed for a very long time; it is possible to discern Australian diplomatic elements, which could be said to emphasize on idealism an even legalism (Sampson & Woolcock 2003). Using the available advantage of multilateralism, Australia attempts to achieve its pursuit of foreign policy objectives in the international arena competing with not only other middle power states but also the great power states (Ball 1997). In its quest, Australia faces quite a number of possibilities as well as limits and constraining factors. Through multilateral corporation of Australia as a middle power, the country is able to direct its efforts of whatever manner in trying to maintain international peace and security. This is one way of penetrating it policies in the international platform (2013). It is prudent to note at this point that middle power status has always defined quality of Australian foreign policy a fact that has always made Australia be a very strong negotiator and protector of its rights without simply obeying the great and mighty (Ball 1997). Such capability also makes Australia a force and to the countries advantage, they are able to bring in their policies onto the international platform. Another way in which Australia is able to use multilateralism to further its foreign policy objectives is through the application of the principle of creative middle power diplomacy. This has an extended impact of aiding the country to enhance its interests (Sampson & Woolcock 2003). Australia, as a middle power state, should be strategic in its alliances, as this will affect its pursuit of foreign policies. With other grater layers in the field, Australia must strive to keep up with these powers, as they are the main influential factors in the pursuit of foreign policy objectives. This has been the case with Australia as seen in various instances where Australia allied with other great powers (Ball 1997); including the USA, the super power in a strategic attempt to promote its foreign policy objectives; one notable instance is the support of Bush’s presidency in the USA by Howard’s government (Beeson 2011). The system of interdependence is an important factor that sustains interaction between states in the international system. Though dependency levels may differ among states, every state regardless of its classification depends on other states. Australia thou not as dependent as other states and especially the low power states must be dependent on other states so as to be able to pursue their foreign policy objectives, it must sustain its interest in other states in the international system (Ball 1997). The countries in between location between the greater powers and the lower powers should accord it the capability in using multilateral mode to even make the lower power depend on them more as they strive to be recognized on the high table (Ungerer 2007). The common good common problem is also a promoting factor. For example, many of the states support preservation of the environment in the international system. This issue, like in most countries, is entrenched in the foreign policy of Australia (2013). Having common policy values helps Australia to easily pursue its foreign policies. Australia is mainly only able to further this through multilateralism. Australia can help in mobilization in favor of the less developed countries that are faced of the risks of implementing regulatory measures that are beyond their capacity. They can employ resources in the developing countries to enable such countries develop their financial and technological resource (Beeson 2011). As a middle power state, Australia has the advantages of being in a better position to pursue multilateral solutions to the international problems (Sampson & Woolcock 2003). They can as well be moderators by taking compromising positions during disputes. Australia can still influence their foreign policy by through the commitment of their relative affluence, technical and managerial expertise as well as their international prestige and these rounds up to a preservation of international order and peace (Ungerer 2007). Their policy arrangements functioning revolve around building of coalitions in their intermediary positions hence acting like mediators. They participate in international conflict management activities like the UN peacekeeping. Such activities on their own influence foreign policies penetration globally (Beeson 2011). Conclusion It is clear that when it comes to pursuit of foreign policies the great power states have the most advantage; the middle power and low power states come second and third respectively. However, it is important for a country to use the advantages it has and to develop effective strategies to effectively pursue their foreign policies in the international system. Australia just like many other middle-income countries strives to pursue their national interests and foreign policies. Despite the various limitations that it may face, Australia also has various advantages enables it to effectively pursue its foreign policies. Australia also passed through the leadership of various governments who have done what they thought best at the particular times to promote Australia’s foreign policy, but the pursuit of policy remains a continuous process. References 2013 “Australians campaign for security council membership." Australian Journal of Political Science, 48(1), 101-111. Ball, D, 1997, Australia, the US alliance, and multilateralism in Southeast Asia. Canberra, Australia: Strategic and Defense Studies Centre, Australian National University. Beeson, M, 2011, "Can Australia save the world? The limits and possibilities of middle power diplomacy." Australian Journal of International Affairs, 65(5), 6. Sampson, G. P., & Woolcock, S, 2003, Regionalism, multilateralism, and economic integration the recent experience. Tokyo: United Nations University Press. Ungerer, C, 2007, "The middle power concept in Australian foreign policy." political science and international studies, 53(4), 538-551. Read More