Publications
Facing North. A Century of Australia's Engagement with Asia - Volume 1: 1901 to the3 1970s was DFAT's contribution to the Centenary of Federation celebrations.
ISBN Paper back 0-522-85008-1 RRP$39.95
ISBN Hard cover 0-522 84953-9 RRP$59.95
Purchase Book
David Goldsworthy (ed.)
January 2002, $39.95, PB
544pp, 245 x 175 mm, 70 b&w pics in text
ISBN: 0-522-85008-1
STATUS: Forthcoming
Facing North is the first substantial history of
Australia's relations with Asia since Federation. Volume 1
chronicles Australian–Asian relations from 1901 to the 1970s and
Volume 2 (in preparation) will carry the story through the last
decades of the century just ended. Both make extensive use of
official government sources and of the private collections of
ministers and public servants.
Debate about engagement with Asia is not a recent phenomenon.
Ever since Federation, Australians in public life have expressed
diverse views on our foreign policy and on areas with major domestic
consequences, such as immigration.
In this volume, Australia faces up to many changes in Asia.
Japan, an expanding military power during the 1930s, becomes an
economic partner during the 1950s. The Pacific war and
decolonisation open Australia's regional horizons–and the
Vietnam war necessitates active engagement with Southeast Asia.
Failure to recognise China during the 1950s and 1960s shifts after
1972 to a vigorous search for relationship. Other key developments
include the initiation of the Colombo Plan in the 1950s, and gradual
abolition in the 1960s and 1970s of the White Australia policy.
The story is not a simple one of smoothly evolving engagement.
The challenges presented by Asian realities have evoked complex
responses, which this history analyses and clarifies. It explains
the major changes in official Australian policies towards Asia,
together with the broader cultural challenges.
Facing North tells us what was done in the past, and why.
It is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand
Australia's present relations with Asian countries, and our future
choices.