Foreign Policy Options and National Interests: Analyzing Papua New Guinea's Approach

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In an article published in the Australian Journal of International Affairs, Premdas presented a framework categorizing foreign policy options into three distinct categories. These categories offer valuable insights into the initial foreign policy approach of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The options available to a state are isolationism, non-alignment, and diplomatic coalitions and military alliances.

Premdas asserts that states adopt a specific foreign policy strategy based on their belief that it serves their national interest, which can be categorized into security, economic, and ideological interests.

Despite the option of pursuing isolationism upon independence, PNG chose a non-alignment foreign policy, aligning with the principles of universalism. This decision, common among newly independent countries, was influenced by various factors such as internal domestic considerations, external threats, geographical-contiguity factors, and the international system. It is worth considering whether this foreign policy decision was independently made or influenced by Australian advisors, given their significant role as the former colonial administrator.

According to Mitna, the doctrine of universalism was frequently adopted by newly independent states due to resource constraints that hindered their development. Similar to PNG, Brazil's early postcolonial foreign policy also emphasized autonomy and universalism.

PNG, like many developing nations, relied on other countries for market access, supplies, aid, and public goods, lacking self-sufficiency. At the time of independence, PNG had a limited manufacturing sector and heavily depended on Australia for consumable items. Morgenthau argues that self-sufficiency or near self-sufficiency provides a significant advantage over nations that lack it. Consequently, PNG faced a disadvantage compared to other nations due to its lack of self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, as a newly formed state, PNG did not face significant external security threats and was geographically distant from the power struggles of the Cold War era, resulting in a diffused international system. Therefore, forming military alliances to safeguard its territory or citizens was not a primary concern for PNG at the time of independence.

Mitna explains that newly independent countries opt for non-alignment foreign policies because they rely on developed nations for expertise, trade, and capital to support economic development. Economic interest plays a crucial role in extending relations with countries and organizations that can support their development, regardless of political ideologies, alliances, or geopolitical locations.

Premdas argues that a postcolonial country formulating an independent foreign policy must consider the structure and capability of its economy. In the case of PNG, the traditional economy, common among Melanesian nations, consisted of small villages separated by long distances, challenging terrain, and cultural diversity. However, the arrival of foreign intruders seeking slave labor, tropical products, and gold led to a transition to a dependent, export-oriented economy controlled by foreign investors.

This economic dependency meant that PNG struggled to generate sufficient revenues from local sources to support a large public budget. As a result, Australia provided budgetary support through aid to bridge the gap between public expenditure and local revenue sources. Mitna notes that at independence, PNG had a small agriculture-based economy with limited domestic production, poor revenue-raising capabilities, and a reliance on Australia for economic development, including aid, trade, and investment.

Mitna also highlights that PNG's foreign policy extended beyond Oceania, emphasizing economic development as a priority. Trade, aid, and investment were given prominence in line with the realpolitik of universalism. The establishment of diplomatic missions facilitated the cultivation of favorable relationships with foreign investors and aid donors. 

In conclusion, both Mitna and Premdas agree that economic interest played a significant role in shaping PNG's initial foreign policy. Additionally, while non-alignment was the chosen option, PNG also engaged in diplomatic coalitions and alliances with countries and international organizations that supported its interests.


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