Ptr 100 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ptr 100 - Essay Example Australia, on its part, has played the role to a certain extent, and also has its own share of challenges to counter, as a Middle-Power, especially as part of the United Nations framework. This paper is an attempt to outline the status of Australia as a Middle-Power and its role in the United Nations' framework of Diplomacy. In the aftermath of the Cold War, Australian Foreign Minister, Gareth Evans strategically placed Australia as the 'middle power' that would eventually play an important role in coalition-formation and thus, frame some kind of leadership initiative of activist nature. "In a book co-authored with Bruce Grant, Evans sought to resuscitate an idea which he believed had fallen into disrepair since the 1970s. "Middle power diplomacy" had "regained some currency as the most useful way of describing the kind of role that some nations like Australia have been playing in recent times, or to which they might reasonably aspire"." (The Australian Journal of Politics and History, Dec, 2007 by Carl Ungerer ). Thus, the concept of a middle-power, is one that has gained momentum in today's world that no longer suffers solely from the dichotomy of the small powers and big powers. Ever since, Australia's foreign polic... The Australian government has been trying to build up cooperation in forums like the ANZUS, APEC, ASEAN, etc, with not just its regional neighbours, but also other influential players in the larger criteria of the region, like China and India. As the fifth largest economy in East Asia, Australia has indeed an important role to play. While this is the effect in the regional for a, Australia has been playing a rather active role in the United Nations, as well. The website of the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade outlined this aspiration of the country. The country's aspirations to secure international peace, security and cooperation, to work for humanitarian cause et al, has been outlined. "On coming to office in December 2007, the Australian Government made clear its commitment to the multilateral system as one of the three fundamental pillars of Australia's foreign policy. Australia is determined to work through the United Nations to enhance security and economic well-being worldwide, and to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Australia is determined to help address serious global challenges including conflict prevention, international development, climate change, terrorism and the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction The Security Council plays a key role in addressing many of these challenges, and we stand ready to take on the responsibility of helping to address these