"This is the first book which examines Australia's external relations from a political geographical perspective. It stresses above all the changing orientation of these relationships towards the Asia-Pacific region. It takes a realistic perspective, emphasising the internal relationships among environment, society, economy and politics in a spatial context." "This volume is of particular interest to political geographers, specialists in foreign affairs and international relations but it is also aimed at business people, diplomats and general readers."--BOOK JACKET.