Hardback
Middle Powers and International Organisations
Australia and the OECD
9781788110631 Edward Elgar Publishing
This book provides a unique examination of how a middle power uses international organisations to achieve greater global influence. The authors focus on the OECD, ‘the rich man’s club’ of most of the world’s wealthiest nations. It demonstrates how the decision by Australia to apply for membership was a long drawn out process, delayed by political factors. Eventually agreement was reached with assurances that membership would provide access to valuable and timely policy-related information, especially in relation to international trade and finance. In addition, membership would potentially increase influence by providing greater access to its powerful member states at an earlier stage in their policy discussions and agreements.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This book provides a unique examination of how a middle power uses international organisations to achieve greater global influence.
The authors focus on the OECD, ‘the rich man’s club’ of most of the world’s wealthiest nations. It demonstrates how the decision by Australia to apply for membership was a long drawn out process, delayed by political factors. Eventually agreement was reached with assurances that membership would provide access to valuable and timely policy-related information, especially in relation to international trade and finance. In addition, membership would potentially increase influence by providing greater access to its powerful member states at an earlier stage in their policy discussions and agreements. On gaining membership, Australia found that the OECD’s comparative research and policy development activities, across a wide range of areas and issues, were a valuable source for policy learning which, in turn, helped the ongoing maintenance and further building of policy capacity in the country.
This detailed study of how a nation state engages with an international organisation will be a great source of insight and information for scholars and advanced students of international relations and public policy. It will also be a valuable resource for policymakers and practitioners working in the field.
The authors focus on the OECD, ‘the rich man’s club’ of most of the world’s wealthiest nations. It demonstrates how the decision by Australia to apply for membership was a long drawn out process, delayed by political factors. Eventually agreement was reached with assurances that membership would provide access to valuable and timely policy-related information, especially in relation to international trade and finance. In addition, membership would potentially increase influence by providing greater access to its powerful member states at an earlier stage in their policy discussions and agreements. On gaining membership, Australia found that the OECD’s comparative research and policy development activities, across a wide range of areas and issues, were a valuable source for policy learning which, in turn, helped the ongoing maintenance and further building of policy capacity in the country.
This detailed study of how a nation state engages with an international organisation will be a great source of insight and information for scholars and advanced students of international relations and public policy. It will also be a valuable resource for policymakers and practitioners working in the field.
Critical Acclaim
‘This book is a tour de force. It helps us understand international organisations and their member states. It casts fresh light on the OECD. It reveals how middle powers like Australia manoeuvre on the world stage, and it traces the evolution of key global public policies, from taxation to the environment. It does this seamlessly, with grace and economy, drawing on rich archival materials (from the UK, the US, Australia and the OECD), and extensive interviews.’
– Leslie A. Pal, Carleton University, Canada
– Leslie A. Pal, Carleton University, Canada
Contents
Contents: Preface 1. Introduction 2. Australia, International Organisations and Foreign Policy 3. A Search for Access and Influence 4. Organising the Relationship with the OECD 5. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the OECD 6. Trade and Agriculture: developing an effective strategy 7. The Development Assistance Committee: a slowly declining priority 8. A extensive involvement: the Treasury Portfolio and the OECD 9. Australia and OECD Tax Work 10. The OECD’s Work on the Environment 11. Australia and the OECD work on Education 12. A Leading Role for Australia: Health work at the OECD 13. Australia’s Role in Organisational Maintenance, Reform, and Adaptation 14. Conclusions Index
