Relevance of Multilateralism in Australia - Essay Example

Relevance of Multilateralism in Australia Multilateralism is pertinent to Australia since it involves unanimity with other countries worldwide in supporting constructive ideologies that brings prosperity. International organizations are multilateral in nature, since they work jointly to achieve common target. Multilateralism is a necessity in amalgamating countries to fight for human civil liberties and freedom, and guarantee that egalitarianism prevails in the countries. Further, multilateralism in Australia promotes international justice globally, therefore, fostering peace and harmony (Arvanitakis, 2008). Multilateralism fosters the importance of equality in nations worldwide, and this is significant to Australia because it assists the in improving the security of the country. The greatest security hazard to Australia and the world is terrorism, which is gravely opposed by multilateralism. Economic excellence of Australia has been prejudiced by multilateralism that has seen the country work together with other states to coalesce and exchange brilliant ideas. Strong multilateralism recommendations have assisted in solving the global challenges. Hence, multilateralism is a significant aspect in Australia, since it promotes tranquility and growth in nationalized development. Importance of regional multilateralism institutions (APEC, ARF, ASEAN +3, EAS) to Australia The regional multilateralism institutions were founded to promote geopolitics and economy of the countries involved. Australia has benefitted immensely through this association in dissimilar ways such as accelerated the economic expansion to country through making it stable throughout the decades. It has also promoted the cultural and social interaction with other countries, especially those that are members of APEC. Peaceful agreements have been met through the existence of the association in when disputes arises. The regional multilateralism organizations have assisted in defining the boundaries disputes between the member states. This has been achieved through holding conferences where they make deliberations on their problems. APEC promotes unanimity between the Asian Pacific States as evidenced in the organizational objectives (Malik, 2007). EAS is the newest formed multilateralism organization, which its main goal is to foster strategic dialogue between members. The institution also promotes joint effort between the member States such as alleviating national disasters. ARF assists in protecting the right of a state to grow economically without facing a threat from other state. Australian Relation with the bodies The Australian association with these bodies is decisive to the conduct of Australian regional diplomacy to the multilateralism institutions, since it allows free interface with other neighboring states. 2. Australian-Malaysian relation in the post- Mahathir era The Australian-Malaysian relation in the post-Mahathir era has faced many challenges. The history of the poor relation between the two countries began when Mahathir Muhammad became the prime minister of Malaysia. His administration came up with many government projects that improved the infrastructure of the country and increased the employment opportunities to the Malaysian citizens. The relationship was appalling, because Mahathir’s governance was against the western political interests and financial policies, and this was the main reason why the relationship was critical. There was a lot of mix-up between the two countries, negatively affecting their economic ties. The countries have poor security cooperation that poses a solemn threat in promoting communism between the countries (Lopez, 2009). Although the relationship has improved appreciably, the two countries have to interrelate often to foster unity between the countries. The two countries are both confronted with opportunities and challenges, which affect the existing relationship ties. Some of the confrontation that Malaysia is facing is conserving Islam religion, while Australia is struggling to maintain the proper relationship it has with America by supporting some of Malaysia’s strategies. Australia should also combat terrorism without going against the countries policies of supporting multicultural identity and religious believes. Canberra’s relation with Kula Lumpur, since the ascension of Abdulla Badawi and his successor Najib Tun Razak Canberra’s relation with Kula Lumpur has bettered notably, since the time Abdulla Badawi and his successor Najib Tun Razak took the leadership of Malaysia. The reason was that the two Malaysian leaders had dissimilar interest and visions compared to Mahathir Muhamad, the former prime minister. They are willing to uphold tranquility between the two countries by holding meetings with Australian leaders aimed at nurturing peace. Abdulla is keen in improving the affiliation between Australia and his country Malaysia, proven by the historical visit he made to Australia. 3. Australia forges closer link to USA to protect itself from post 9/11 and Bali terrorism Terrorism has posed a substantial threat to countries worldwide, especially after the attack of America. They also attacked Bali killing about two hundred people, many being westerners (Tow, 2002). They have also attacked many cities in different countries globally, because they believe in accomplishing their missions and goals. Australia has supported America in many circumstances in launching a war on terrorism. The reasons why they have preferred to support USA has raised been severely deliberated. Some reason that Australia wants support from America to defend themselves from terror attacks, hence the acquaintance. Australia does not forge a closer link to USA to protect itself from post 9/11 and Ball terrorism because, Australia and USA have been close allies historically, and many critics have questioned their relationship. Some have claimed that Australia’s close relationship with America results from their shared policies and strategies that typify their similar actions. For instance, they have supported the war against global terrorism and the agenda of promoting peace and harmony in Iraq. Therefore, Australia’s closer link to USA is not to guard itself against terrorist threats, but it is because they have a comparable way of understanding and evaluating worldwide occurrences. Conversely, some individuals suggest that Australia is forging a relationship with USA to protect themselves from the effects of post 9/11 and Bali terror attack that claimed many lives and destroyed infrastructure which took time and money to construct. Australia is forging their relationship with America to get protection from attacks from terrorist that have proven to be a threat to the world. They want to get maximum support and protection from attacks to their country, hence, the close tie and friendship. 4. APEC as the premier multilateral trans-Pacific economic forum Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC, is a group formed to foster free trade and improvement in economic relation globally. The forum aim was to raise the living standards of individuals of a member state through improving the relationship in trading between the countries. Members of the organization represent almost half of the population in the world, making it commanding in terms of authority it had in the world. During its reign, it concentrated on promoting free trade between the member states. APEC is the premier multilateral trans-Pacific forum, since the presidents of the member states attend its meeting. The achievements made by the forum were to promote trade and economic ties between the member states and its efforts are appreciated globally. APEC dictates the economy of the world, since most of its members are the world’s economic giants who have stabilized their economic status. There are trade partnerships that have been formed through the existence of APEC such as Canada and China that has fostered admirable grounds for trade. However, APEC failed to realize all their outlined missions and goals. The organization has also failed to persuade other states to fight and exterminate poverty in the member states. Asia is concerned more with its own fashionable economic development; therefore, Australia should remain economical and engage in trade with Asia. Kevin Rudd proposed and encouraged member states to institute an Asian pacific community. Rudd suggested that, through cooperation, the countries would succeed in achieving their goals. He believed that Asian Pacific Community would provide exemplary leadership skills and promote understanding between the member states. 5. Effects of Australia’s association with US over Global War on Terrorism The price Australia has paid in support of America is a weakened friendship ties with Arab countries such as Iraq. The country also diverts a lot of money supplying its troops to Iraq to support the USA’s undertaking of fostering peace in Iraq (Dawner, 2003). Beginning with Australia’s support of America in launching a war on global terrorism, the country has weakened its association with countries located in the Middle East such as Afghanistan. The relationship it had before with the Arab countries was negatively affected, therefore, affecting the social and economic dependability. The trading atmosphere affected the economic progress of the country. Global war on terrorism (GWOT) is supported by many countries globally, because it is a positive strategy that would foster peace in the earth. Terrorism is mostly associated with the overriding Islam religion. Therefore, countries supporting the GWORT are perceived as enemies of the Middle East countries. Consequently, Australia participates less in social and economic activities with the Arab World. Another price Australia has to pay for supporting USA on declaring war in Iraq is the use of government money to preserve its military men in Iraq. This has affected the progress of government projects that had been planned before. They have to wait until positive results are realized, and the government withdraws her troops from Iraq. The economic progress of Australia has been slowed due to lack of sufficient funds to implement the goals and strategies that have been planned before. To maintain the military troops in Iraq has been a challenge to the government since they expose their national security muscles to other countries globally. This can unconstructively affect them since; their enemy gets to comprehend the potencies of the force. 6. Good Governance in South Pacific Governance in South Pacific region has faced challenges during the last decades, especially in the islands of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Island of Solomon. It caused people to live a hard life full of hardships, for example, basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical assistance were difficult to access. Fiji governance has been affected by lack of commitment to foster law reforms that assist to define the way that the government and the populace perform their duties. Papua New Guinea and Island of Solomon has failed to come up with guidelines to assist in the governance of the states. The guidelines can only be got through fostering reforms in the states. Good governance is achievable in the region of Pacific region through forming organizations that promote the importance of reforms to a country. The Pacific Institute of Advanced Studies in Development and Governance (PIAS-DG) is an example of an organization that has evaluated on the methods of promoting ethical governance to the Islands such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Islands of Solomon. The South Pacific regions should allow investors to their countries to allow economic growth to that fosters quality standards of life hence promoting outstanding governance. I think that good governance is achievable, and the three islands should allow change support the formation of new reforms. Conversely, getting intimate governance is difficult and might be impossible to achieve in the three Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Islands of Solomon. The effects of poor governance have affected the lives of the citizens such that they are living miserable and difficult lives. They do not have any hope for the future since every leader has shown poor governance, and they do not expect any miracle from new person or strategies. Good governance is achievable when people come together with one common goal of making their lives comfortable. They can this by choosing a leader who is knowledgeable on good governing skills. 7. Reasons why Australia Is Willing To Double Its Foreign Economy Aid Australia has participated in giving aid to countries that face natural disaster such as floods, earthquake, drought, and famine. The amount of economical aid the country has given as aid is more than what is expected by the UN. The country has received world recognition, and her assistance is well received globally by countries. Mass poverty is the main reason why most countries are lagging behind economically and socially. The main reason why Australia’s government is involved economic is to reduce the poverty level to these countries (Australian Government, 2006). The most affected countries come from the Asia-Pacific region where individuals spent one dollar per day. Another reason why Australia is providing worldwide economic aid is humanitarian compassion. The country believes that each human being is entitled to abundant life where he/she can access the basic needs. The assistance of the underprivileged countries helps to improve the economic stability, which expands opportunities for investing and trading in Australia. Most countries that require economic aid comes from Asian-Pacific region where Australia is located that include Indonesia. Their interest has always been to become close neighbors who take care and help one another. They believe they need one another, and cannot stand-alone. Many individuals’ lives have been completely affected, and their lives changed due to the Australian aid. However, the generous donation of Australia has faced criticism from some individuals, who declare that giving donations to underprivileged countries does not lead to economic development. They argue that money used to give donations to other countries can be used to run government projects that improve the economic status. Giving donations only makes the underprivileged countries not to work hard, but rather makes them anticipate for more assistance. Nevertheless, the critics have not affected Australian government from giving their donations to the deprived countries. 8. Australia According India as a Higher Diplomatic Priority Australia is now according India a higher diplomatic priority because of its increasing economy and worldwide recognition. The country used to focus on other Asian countries for economic deals and political meetings. India has grown to be the second most popular country that practices democracy in its fullest. The country now brags as the world’s fastest economic growth and has improved her relationship with many countries globally. India has influenced most of the world’s decision-making, thus making it a well-recognized country (Wesley, 2007). The Australia India council (AIC) was created to improve the relationship between the two countries. Australia initiated the council and wanted to make economic ties with her neighbors that were dominating the world through significant improvement in the economic and political aspect. The AIC has improved the relationship and interaction between the two states through diplomatic meetings that have promoted discourse between the countries. Successfully, India formed a counter council named as India-Australia council (IAC) that majorly supported similar policies and goals as the AIC. Countries dominating the Asian economy have changed drastically in the last decades; India emerging as a powerful state with a stable economic. Earlier, other Asian countries had strong financial and political stability that interested western countries to trade with one another. According to recent research, analysts comment that the relationship between Australia and India can make notable achievements in the world economy. Hence, they are supporting them to work together to improve their economy. Australia has been forced to work out the relationship with India to achieve their goals of stabilizing the economy and making it at the top of world ranking. India has proven to be legitimate business partner due to its economic potential it possesses. 9. Australia’s engagement in economic ties and trade with Asia Australia’s engagement with Asia is focused on economic ties and trade as the main factors that make them interact. The country shifted from commonwealth countries to Asia countries such as Japan and China in doing business, which has become vital in determining the Australia’s economy (Siddique, 2007). The main factor that is uniting the two continents is the economic ties and trading together. Japan is the leading trade partner to Australia, and they have achieved many goals together. The main reason why Australia shifted its attention to the Asian countries is the electronic products Japan was producing. Most of the Asian countries were also interested with the agricultural products, since they lacked them; therefore, the relationship was built due to economic reasons. Initially the relationship between Australia and Asia was poor, but trading activities united them through doing business with one another. Commonwealth countries used to be the main business partner with Australia, and all attention was on their members. The core reason why Australia interacted with one another was due to trading activities, which they later became strong business partners. Australia can improving its interaction by broadening its engagement to the Asians countries through sharing cultural differences, tourism, supporting international policies, and engaging in sports activities. The country can do this by promoting their culture and interest to the Asians countries, also organize events such as sports or entertainment. To cement the relationship bond, Australia can practice the mentioned methods. This will improve their interaction hence promote national development. 10. Australia is Part of Asia The topic has caused international debate, whether Australia is part of Asia or stands alone as a continent. The map of Asia has not changed since the eighteenth century and has been showing the same information. Asia’s geography continues to bring questions and misunderstandings between the boundaries. International unions have failed to define the boundaries separating countries clearly, a factor that has caused tension among the countries related with the continent of Asia. According to the current geographical records, Australia is not part of Asia continent, but certain research gives the opposite information. I think Australia is part of Asia, since most of the international unions it is involved, are from the Asian country. The organizations such as ASEAN and EAS consist of countries from the Asian continents (Vaughn, 2008). Australia participates dynamically in the organization and interacts with most of the countries; therefore, seen as part of Asia. Most economic and political ties are made with the Asian countries, since they are neighbors. Another reason why Australia is part of Asia is because of the geographical theories that were invented by the old researchers and explores. They found out that the Australian continent was part of Asian before it separated and moved southwards after a series of earthquakes. They believe that Australia was physically attached to the Asia continent and that the geographical features are similar. This factor can be used to claim and prove that indeed Australia is part of Asia, since it originated from the Asian continent. Conversely, one can argue that Australia is not part of Asia, since it operates independently and the government runs its projects without getting interference from other states. The country is proud of its culture and believes, which are different from Asian countries. The other reason why Australia is not part of Asia is the current international boundary that shows Australia as an independent country and a continent on its own. Asia is also a continent and has clear boundaries separating them, according to the international boundaries. Debates are still on, and people are searching for an answer to the motion that has caused many arguments. Therefore, whether Australia is part of Asia or not, depends on a persons’ knowledge and the way of reasoning. References Arvanitakis, James, 2008, In Defence of Multilateralism, Center for Policy Development, Accessed at: Australian Government, 2006, Australian Aid: Promoting Growth and Stability. Accessed at: Downer, Alexander, (2003) 'The Myth of 'little' Australia', Speech to the National Press Club, Canberra. Accessed at: Lopez, Greg, 2009, Neutrality and non-interference, Malaysian style, East Asia Form, Accessed at: Malik, Mohan, 2007, The East Asia Community and the Role of External Powers: Ensuring Asian Multilateralism is not Shanghaied, The Korean Journal of Defense Analysis, Vol. 19(4), Pg, 29–50. Macfarlane, Peter, 2009, Chaitanya Lakshman. Law Reform in the South Pacific. Journal of South Pacific Law, Vol 13(1). Siddique, Muhammed, 2007, Regionalism, Trade, And Economic Development in the Asia- Pacific Region, Northampton: Edward Elgar Publishing, Pg 207. Tow, William, 2002, The Deputy Sheriff? US-Australian relation, United States-Asian Relations Today: A New “A New World Order”, Accessed at: Vaughn, Bruce, 2008, Australia: Background and U.S. Relations, CRS Report for Congress, 2008, Pg 64, Accessed at: Wesley, Michael, 2007, Irresistible Rise of the Indo-Pacific, Australian Literary Review. Accessed at: Read More