Neither stereotype is completely true but neither is completely false. To make sense of this, we need to understand why, when and how Australia promotes human rights in Asia.

Contrary to the stereotype of being uncaring, human rights is an explicit part of Australia’s foreign policy. Australia is an original signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and party to the seven core human rights treaties. It advocates for their consistent and comprehensive implementation and contributes to the multilateral human rights system, most recently through serving on the Human Rights Council. 

Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne explains this in terms of Australia’s own self-interest. Respect for human rights underpins global peace and prosperity and a stable international system. In Asia, Australia has a self-interest in well-governed countries that contribute to security and growth in the region.

That the minister is a true believer in human rights is evident throughout her career, but the national interests she describes are long-standing. Australia genuinely believes that the world is a better place if human rights are widely respected.

However, promoting human rights is not Australia’s only foreign policy aim. Australia has three core interests: in its security, its prosperity and in global cooperation. In pursuing its foreign policy, Australia has to balance these. 

When dealing with a country where Australia has few other interests, it can decide to advocate strongly on human rights without fearing repercussions. This was the case with Myanmar prior to the (currently stalled) democratization process. With almost no trade and minimal security implications,

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