论澳大利亚地理与文化的冲突——以东帝汶危机为例

Australia's Dilemma between Geography and Culture——Take East Timor as an Example

"地理"和"文化"始终是决定澳大利亚外交政策的两大主要因素,并形成了澳大利亚两种迥然不同的外交传统。作为地处东方的西方国家,澳大利亚始终面临着地理位置与历史文化之间的冲突。在东帝汶危机的二十多年间,澳大利亚外交政策一直摇摆不定。在工党执政时期,澳大利亚政府以地缘政治因素为主要考虑,以融入亚洲为指导思想,将与印尼关系放在优先位置,默许了印尼对东帝汶的非法吞并。自由党-国家党联盟执政时期,价值观因素开始抬头,奉行亲欧美的外交政策,以民族自决和保护人权为由,主导了对东帝汶的国际干预。正是由于地理位置与历史文化之间的对立,澳大利亚对东帝汶危机的立场才会发生陡然转变。

Both geography and culture have always played significant roles in shaping Australia's foreign policy,these factors determine two different foreign traditions in Australia history. As a Western country that based on East Asia,Australia always faces the dilemma between geography and culture. During the process of East Timor,Australia's foreign policy always switch between geography and culture. During the Cold war,Australia put great emphasis on geography,take engagement with Asia as an guiding principle,agree with Indonesia annex East Timor illegally. When the Cold war was over,Howard government underlined the importance of western identity,intent on pro- Western policy. In the name of self- determination and protect on human right,Australia play a leading role in intervening in East Timor. The dilemma between geography and culture can clearly explain why Australia took a totally opposite stance on the East Timor crisis.