Should Australian foreign policy continue to take the stance of recent American administrations, or should the Federal Government distance itself and strive for a new identity within the Asia Pacific?

Australia's foreign policy, under the current government has become such that we now look more like America's little brother than an independent nation. We have on our doorstep, a wondrous opportunity to tap into the Asia Pacific region, where we are geographically located, and strive for a new identity as a leader, rather than a sidekick.

With George Bush's declaration of the '

The Australian government must realise that simply following the 'global policeman' policy of the US will not benefit the development of our nation and that a change in focus towards the Asia/Pacific region is required if Australia is to be considered a world leader.

axis of evil', the opposition to the International Criminal Court, the pursuit of missile defence and the abandonment of the Kyoto Protocol, criticism of the US is at a high, not only in Asia and the Middle East but also throughout Europe. Australia has lost a lot of credibility on the world forum for its lack of individuality and simply following America on critical issues.

Australia's identity is no longer the typical European, Anglo Saxon one it was 50 years ago. We are a very multicultural society, with backgrounds from all over the world. As a result we have needed and currentl

Some common words found in the essay are:
Anglo Saxon, Europe Australia, Middle East, America Australians, , Pacific Australia's, Centenary Dinner, Asia Pacific, George Bush's, Criminal Court, asia pacific, middle east, foreign policy, change focus, strive identity, asia/pacific region,
Approximate Word count = 574
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)