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During the early 1990s, the Hawke and Keating Labor governments promoted Australia's diplomatic credentials as an activist and independent middle power. Labor claimed that by acting as a middle power Australia was constructing a novel diplomatic response to the challenges of the post‐Cold War world. But a closer reading of the official foreign policy record since 1945 reveals that previous conservative governments have also taken a similar view of Australia's place and position on the international stage. This essay traces the historical evolution of the middle power concept in Australian foreign policy and concludes with an assessment of the Howard government's more recent reluctance to use this label and its implications for Australia's future middle power credentials. Although its use has waxed and waned in official policy discourse and it is more commonly associated with Labor governments, the middle power concept itself and the general diplomatic style it conveys have been one of the most durable and consistent elements of Australia's diplomatic practice.

Australian foreign policy Jan-Jun 2004 & the different stances of the Labor Party Opposition & the Liberal/National Coalition Government are discussed in detail. Foreign policy issues such as the war in Iraq & Australia-US relations have widened the gap between the two parties. Other policy issues resulting in debate include intelligence, weapons of mass destruction, & national security. Also discussed are Australia's position on & response to the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal & international trade. It is contended that the divide in Australian politics will be difficult to close. A. Lee

'Australia and Asia,' edited by Mark McGillivray and Gary Smith, is reviewed.