Strange Neighbours

Indonesia and Australia, though geographically close countries, are strangers in many significant respects. They do share common interests, including the objectives of a stable and secure region and economic well-being. But they also have many differences, since they are quite unlike in their respective cultural heritages, religious beliefs and practices, political structures, demographic bases, levels and patterns of economic development, and military forces and defence policies. Australia's recent history has reflected the interplay of these mutual interests and different perspectives, with the state of the Indonesia-Australia relationship at any given time being determined by the prevailing balance between these factors. At times, the relationship has been very positive, but at other times it has been quite hostile. This book offers respect for the distinct cultural and domestic political values and practices of the two contrasting countries, and appreciation of their respective security interests and concerns. It is essential reading for those interested in the future of the Indonesia--Australia relationship.
MARKETStudents and researchers in international relations, Asia-Pacific studies and Australian foreign policy. "Desmond Ball is the Head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University. Helen Wilson is a Research Assistant at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. Among Desmond Ball's many publications are "Pine Gap: Australia and the US Geostationary Signals Intelligence Satellite Program" (Allen & Unwin 1988) and "Security and defence: Pacific and global perspectives" (Allen & Unwin 1990).