Australia in world affairs: 1950-1955
In: Australia in world affairs series
The Australia in World Affairs series commenced in 1950 and provides a continuous, researched scholarly account of Australia's foreign policy. The first volume, Australia in World Affairs 1950-1955, uses the war in Korea as its starting point. Prior to the second world war, Australian security had rested upon geographical isolation, a favourable situation in Asia and the undeniable strength of Great Britain. The war deeply disturbed accepted ways of thinking about Australian security and, at least for a time, put an end to complacency. After the war, there was an increase in American influence across all levels of Australian society. This change transformed Australia's international situation, bringing a regard for American leadership in world affairs and a new emphasis on Asia and the Pacific, alongside the traditional relationship with the United Kingdom.