ANALISIS KEBIJAKAN LUAR NEGERI JOHN HOWARD TERHADAP IMIGRAN ILEGAL DI AUSTRALIA

This paper aims to analyze Australian Prime Minister John Howard’s foreign policy in responding to illegal immigrants who attempt to enter Australian territory by sea. This study employed library research as well as a qualitative approach. In particular, this study used the theory of foreign policy offered by Walter Calsnaes called ‘a logically tripartite approach’ to analyze Howard’s policy in responding to illegal immigrants. This paper found that Howard’s foreign policy in responding to illegal immigrants was not only state-centric in nature focusing on protecting Australian sovereignty, but the policy also had a purpose to maintain power control. Firstly, Howard was willing to show the world that his leadership was different compared to his predecessors, asserting that Australia should not be regarded as a country of easy destination. Secondly, Howard showed that limiting the number of illegal immigrants was in the best interest of the country to protect Australians. Thirdly, Howard proved that his foreign policy towards illegal immigrants could influence the politics of Australia including federal elections. Lastly, Howard demonstrated his ability in the context of institutional settings by issuing new laws to strengthen his foreign policy.