THE PRACTISE OF AUSTRALIA’S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERISM (2011-2017)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The virtue of Australian government to use volunteerism as its public diplomacy instrument is a very interesting case study since only a few country shows interest in it. In 2011, the government developed volunteerism into a program under Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). After more than a half-century it has independently existed. The DFAT carry this program to mark how serious Australian government to promote its positive agenda in national and international level. The drives of this public diplomacy practice are describing how globalization has transformed the recent needs of diplomacy in international relations. Unfortunately, the topic is not popular discussion yet. Therefore, the writer expects able to invite readers’ interest in the study of volunteerism in international relations and public diplomacy within this thesis. It is important to note that in this study also recognizes the role of people in political power (democracy) and social capital. This thesis specifically talking the practice of Australian international volunteerism, under brand AVID as public diplomacy program from 2011 until 2017. The writer chooses this year limitation since 2011 is the program firstly established and in 2017, the program name is renewed. From this specification, the writer expects to obtain the important understanding of the Australian government to perform this program for its public diplomacy. This thesis uses qualitative research method through a case study with the explanatory approach. The effectiveness of volunteerism program will not be discussed since only quantitative method allows this measurement.