Engagement: Australia Faces The Asia-Pacific

Paul Keating was elected Prime Minister of Australia just as the end of the Cold War was transforming the global and regional environment. During the period of his prime ministership, one of his principal aims was to deepen Australia’s relations with the countries of the Asia Pacific.

Insightful and controversial, "Engagement" examines the development of APEC; Australia’s relationship with its largest neighbour, Indonesia; the role of the United States in China’s problematic re-entry into the world community; and the particular problems of Australia’s smaller neighbours in the South Pacific. It examines, too, the questions of Australia’s national identity - the republic, multiculturalism, and the critical importance of establishing a proper relationship with Australia’s indigenous people.