Australia and middle power approaches to Asia Pacific regionalism. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilkins, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of political science. Volume 52:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 110
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Middle power -- Australian foreign policy -- Asia Pacific -- regionalism -- IR theory; Australasia -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; 320
• DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2016.1238870
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1036-1146

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article presents a liberal-institutionalist conceptual framework drawn from Middle Power theory to analyse Australian foreign policy approaches towards Asia Pacific regionalism. Building on precedents set by the former Keating administration, the Labor government of Rudd/Gillard (2007–13) undertook high-profile efforts not only to engage, but to champion, the regionalism process in the Asia Pacific. This enterprise became fused with a self-proclaimed identity as a 'creative middle power'. Through an analysis of regional community building, regional security architecture and regional order, the article identifies the strong linkages between the theory and practice of 'middle power' diplomacy, and the concept of 'regionalism' itself, in Australian foreign policy. The article thus contributes to the theoretical literature by exposing the important intersections between the two concepts and concludes that despite Rudd's prolific attempts to harness Australia's middle power credentials, Canberra was not able to significantly affect the process of Asia Pacific regionalism unilaterally.