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Indonesia's pro-Western and New Order government in 1968 provided economic growth, political legitimacy, and stable institutions. However, the government also practiced oppressive policies and held controlled elections. Despite human rights issues and disputes over East Timor, Australian relations with Indonesia were generally good. Observers contend that Australia offered no challenges because of geopolitical self-interest., While Indonesia's pro-Western and stable New Order delivered an impressive rate of economic growth and a degree of political legitimacy, the latter was never tested in what was a military-dominated [...]

Australians and Indonesians have cultivated a foreign policy that celebrates mutual interests and diversity. The relationship of these neighbors encompasses a range of interests by several sectors. This interconnectivity should provide stability in foreign policy matters. Experts urge caution in relations with Indonesia, suggesting Australia develop a broad base of contacts to work with any regime voted into government.

John Wiseman, Global Nation; Australia and the Politics of Globalisation (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998), viii + 202 pp. bibliography, 6 pp. index, $24.95, ISBN 0 52159 227 5. This [...]

Dick Bryan and Michael Rafferty, The Global Economy in Australia: Global Integration and National Economic Policy (Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1999), 277 pp., $35, ISBN 1 86448 745 3 (pbk). [...]