Analyzing the elements of Foreign Policy: Australia’s Foreign Policy Towards Indo – Pacific Region, A study case

Abstract

National Interest is the core of a country's foreign policy. Policymakers use the concept of national interest to formulate foreign policy and refer as a starting point to consider any step they take for the sake of their country; these include defending, maintaining, or developing anything perceived as national interest. In the past few years, Australia has shown that it has a grand agenda in the Indo – Pacific region and positioned itself as the regional epicenter by utilizing its national power through the instrument of DIME, including and not limited to Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic power. This paper tries to connect the main concept of international relations and Australian openness in articulating its foreign policy through a descriptive qualitative method. The author analyzes it through the elements of foreign policy that consist of Ends (National Interest), Means (Foreign Policy Instrument), and Ways (Foreign Policy Options). This paper briefly reflects on how the elements structured Australian foreign policy to strive for regional security, stability, and prosperity. The paper concludes that the regional strategic engagement is conducted through various courses of action as the Australian commitment to maintaining a rules-based order.