Unit 4 Area of Study 2: Foreign Policy

Outcome 2

Analyse the nature, objectives and instruments of contemporary Australian foreign policy, and evaluate two key selected challenges facing Australian foreign policy.

Examples of learning activities

• Discuss and then create a summary chart of the main differences between domestic policy and foreign policy.
• Compile a glossary of key terms and concepts. Add a relevant example to each of the glossary terms.
• Identify and create summary notes on the main factors that influence the formulation of foreign policy from within the formal institutions of government. Consider the role of the executive, the parliament and the public service.
• Investigate the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. What does it say are the main objectives of Australian foreign policy? Who are the key players in this area as identified by DFAT?
• Hold a class debate on the topic of ‘the national interest; what is it and who defines it?’
• Create a wall chart showing the three main objectives of Australian foreign policy as they relate to the national interest; national security, economic and trade interests, being a good global citizen. List recent examples of Australian government action in each area.
• Research and discuss a list of current areas of Australian foreign policy that have received bipartisan support from the two major political parties and hold a class discussion as to the reason why.
• Discuss whether the prime minister or foreign minister has a greater role in foreign policy formulation. Refer specifically to the current Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in your discussion.
• Create a PMI list of the factors that impact on foreign policy implementation.
• Visit a local consulate or do a virtual tour of a foreign embassy in Canberra.
• Write an essay analysing the key objectives of Australian foreign policy.
• Discuss the main instruments that are available to use in developing Australian foreign policy as outlined in the Study Design. Create a document summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of each instrument in helping to achieve the national interest.
• Hold a class debate on the topic ‘Australia gives too much money in foreign aid’. Use the DFAT website and that of the Lowy Institute to gain relevant sources for this debate.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to the Australian/US bilateral alliance as an instrument of Australian foreign policy.
• Create a class mindmap exploring the impact the challenge of global terrorism is having on Australia’s foreign policy objectives.
• Write an essay exploring Australia’s response in recent years to the foreign policy challenge of refugees, people smuggling and trafficking.
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  Complete short answer questions on the nature, objectives and instruments of contemporary Australian foreign policy.
• Select a key challenge facing Australian foreign policy from the Study Design. Prepare an oral presentation for the class outlining this challenge and the response of the government to this challenge.
• View recent episodes of Foreign Correspondent, Dateline or documentaries relating to the list of challenges in the Study Design. Take notes about the relevant challenges faced by Australia in the foreign policy area and any recent successes or failures addressing the challenge.

 

Detailed example

Short Answer Questions

Under timed test conditions provide answers to the following short answer questions:

• Explain two key differences between domestic and foreign policy.
• Define the terms ‘national interest’, ‘bipartisan’,’ national security’.
• Discuss the three key objectives of Australian foreign policy.
• Explain two key instruments of Australian foreign policy and refer to recent examples of their successful use by the government.
• Evaluate ONE challenge to Australian foreign policy e.g. global terrorism, and the impact it may have on the promotion of Australia’s national interest.