| ID | 127352 |
| Title Proper | Unintended consequences |
| Other Title Information | an examination of Australia's 'historic policy shift' on East Timor |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Henry, Iain |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The Howard government's foreign policy objectives concerning East Timor remain the subject of intense historical debate. Given that some Indonesians harbour suspicions about Australia's role in East Timor's independence, it is important to reflect on Australia's diplomacy throughout this period. This article draws on 15 interviews with former politicians and officials-including Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer-to argue that in 1998, Australia's foreign policy was focused on supporting Indonesia's democratisation process and maintaining the bilateral relationship. It was only when Indonesia moved towards a 'special status' of autonomy for East Timor that Australia reconsidered its own position. Although rarely acknowledged, Australia's policy shift actually precipitated outcomes that it had sought to avoid. As such, Habibie's decision to allow self-determination in East Timor can only be viewed as an unintended consequence of Australian diplomacy-independence was never the objective of Australian foreign policy. |
| `In' analytical Note | Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol.68, No.1; February 2014: p.52-69 |
| Journal Source | Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol.68, No.1; February 2014: p.52-69 |
| Key Words | Australian Foreign Policy ; East Timor ; Independence ; Indonesia ; International Relations - IR ; Peacekeeping ; Conflicts ; Ethnic Groups ; Bilateral Relations ; Southeast Asia ; History ; Colonial States ; Post Colonial States ; Australian Diplomacy ; International Organization - IO |