Objectives and Benefits Literature Review
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question that was raised in this thesis. For the purpose of analysis, this research will use the concept of Foreign Policy Analysis of domestic Influence.
In t he book „Foreign Policy,‟ Pearson underlines that the actions foreign
policy of a state is resulted from decision making process, influencing by the state‟s internal structure, which are:
1. Legislatures In parliamentary systems, legislatures play a key role in
designing and implementing foreign policy. Although, in executing an international agreement, the consent of Parliament is not needed. Yet
the Prime Minister requires the Parliament‟s vote if the international agreement is affected to the change of the state‟s Law. Normally, most
international agreements include a few changes, therefore the Parliament allows to exercise its right to approve or disapprove the
international agreements. Since Australia embraces the parliamentary system, Julia Gillard
as the Prime Minister is allowed to implement Malaysia Solution without the Parliament approval as long the policy does not entail
some changes to the Australian Migration Act. Unfortunately, in order to pass the policy, Gillard requires the House of Representative and the
Senate approval. Because according to the Migration Act, a non- member to the U.N Refugee Convention cannot do offshore
processing. In fact Malaysia is not signatory to the Convention. Therefore, the Senate will determines whether
Gillard‟s bill to amend
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the Migration Act will success or otherwise. As Pearson explained on the book „Foreign Policy,‟
„In parliamentary systems, executives, for example, prime ministers are chosen by the political parties that hold a
dominant position in the legislative bodies. Often parliamentary executives do not need to submit treaties or
policies for formal approval by the legislatures. Yet legislatures in parliamentary systems still hold power
regarding foreign policy.‟
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2. Public Opinion The importance of foreign policy issues held by the citizens of a
state. Due to citizen‟s direct vote on the presidential or ministerial
election, public opinion has greater influence on foreign policy in democracies than in authoritarian governments. Political leaders must
pay attention to what citizens think. As Pearson explained on the book „Foreign Policy,‟
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„It must persuade people to accept its policies, because in the end, policies are carried out by ordinary people like
soldiers, workers, and bureaucrats.‟
The Gillard government can success in governing democratic society as it needs public support to survive. Because the government
failure on Malaysia Solution can shift public opinion. Consequently, public prefers to favor Coalition Party
‟s policy of Pacific Solution in order to heal their disappointment.
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Foreign Policy. The White House Oval Office. 2010. p, 136. Available at: http:www.pearsonhighered.comassetshipuship_us_pearsonhigheredsamplechapter0205059570.pdf.
Accessed in the 5th of December 2014.
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Ibid.
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