Idealism and Realism in the Foreign Policy of the Fourth Labour Government

Abstract

New Zealand’s fourth Labour government, in office between 1984 and 1990, is noted for abandoning traditionally Labour economic policies. An examination of its foreign policies, however, reveals a more traditional Labour party pattern. Like previous Labour governments, this one adopted a basically Liberal Internationalist approach to the world. Liberal Internationalism is characterised by emphasis on the promotion of human rights and democracy; support for international institutions; the encouragement of disarmament and the promotion of free trade. The fourth Labour government’s most notable foreign policy was one promoting disarmament; it showed increased support for the United Nations; it demonstrated concern for human rights in South Africa, China, New Caledonia and Fiji, and it encouraged free trade. However, the Liberal Internationalist emphasis was absent in some instances. Realism was the dominant approach to policy in regard to Iran and East Timor because important national interests were at stake.