Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is considered a Western country by many, despite its geographical location in the Southern and Eastern Hemisphere. The term Western is typically associated with the social norms, ethical values, customs, belief systems, political systems, and technologies rooted in European and Mediterranean histories. Australia's cultural, political, and economic ties with Western countries, along with its historical links and shared values, contribute to its classification as a Western society.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Geography | Australia is located in the southern hemisphere and is geographically in the Eastern Hemisphere. |
| Culture | Australia's culture is strongly influenced by European values and its population includes many people descended from European colonists. |
| History | Australia has historical ties with Western nations, particularly its former colonizer, the United Kingdom. |
| Language | Australia shares the English language with many Western countries. |
| Legal System | Australia's legal system is influenced by Western models and British frameworks. |
| Governance | Australia aligns with Western models of governance and democratic principles. |
| Economics | Australia's economic structures are primarily influenced by Western models and capitalism. |
| International Organizations | Australia is a member of significant Western-oriented international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Religion | Australia, like many Western countries, has a historical association with Christianity, although secularism is also increasing. |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's geographic location
Australia is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere, between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Australian mainland extends from west to east for nearly 2,500 miles (4,000 km) and from the Cape York Peninsula in the northeast to Wilsons Promontory in the southeast for nearly 2,000 miles (3,200 km). Australia is geographically isolated between population clusters, which has resulted in a unique ecosystem with many native species found nowhere else in the world, such as the platypus, kangaroo, echidna, and koala. The country is home to 516 national parks that protect its diverse landscapes, which include snow-capped mountains, large deserts, tropical and temperate forests, grasslands, heathlands, and woodlands.
Australia's geographic isolation has also influenced its demographic characteristics. Due to its remoteness, almost 80% of the population lives within 25 km (16 mi) of the coast, with 73% residing in major coastal urban centres. The most densely populated areas are located in the Coastal Plains of the eastern states and the Swan Coastal Plain in the southwestern corner of the mainland, while the vast centre of the country is virtually uninhabited.
In addition to its mainland, Australia has jurisdiction over the insular state of Tasmania and thousands of minor islands in the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans. These islands contribute to Australia's diverse geography and ecosystems, with each island having its own unique isolated ecosystems that are susceptible to disruption by invasive species.
Despite its eastern location, Australia is considered a Western country due to its cultural, political, and economic ties to Europe and its history as a British colony. The definition of the "Western World" is based on cultural identities rather than geographical location, and Australia falls within this definition due to its strong European influences.
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Influence of British colonialism
Australia is considered a Western country due to its historical ties and cultural influence from the United Kingdom during the colonial era. From 1788 to 1901, Australia was a collection of British colonies, with the first colonies established as convict settlements. During this period, British influence shaped various aspects of Australian society, including its legal, political, and educational systems, as well as its cultural and social norms.
One of the most significant impacts of British colonialism in Australia was the establishment of convict settlements or penal colonies. Britain used Australia as a place to exile criminals, who were forced to work as punishment. The convicts, including those with special skills such as leatherwork and carpentry, played a crucial role in building the colonies and infrastructure. The harsh conditions and forced labour of the penal colonies greatly contributed to the development of Australia's economy and society.
The British also introduced their legal and political systems to Australia. The colonies adopted British laws and governance structures, which formed the basis of Australia's legal and political framework. This included the establishment of colonial police forces and military units, with British troops assisting in suppressing convict rebellions and maintaining order. The influence of British law and governance continues to be evident in Australia's modern legal and political institutions.
In addition to legal and political influences, British colonialism also shaped Australia's education system. The British established schools and introduced Western educational practices and curricula. This played a crucial role in disseminating Western knowledge, values, and culture among the Australian population. The education system became a vehicle for transmitting British ideals and shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the colonies.
British colonisation also had a profound impact on the social and cultural fabric of Australia. British customs, traditions, and values were introduced and intermingled with those of the indigenous populations. The English language became dominant, and the British government provided incentives for free settlers, encouraging migration and the establishment of new communities. The social and cultural influences of British colonialism continue to be evident in contemporary Australian society, including its literature, arts, and way of life.
In summary, the influence of British colonialism in Australia was extensive and pervasive, shaping the country's legal, political, educational, social, and cultural landscape. The adoption of Western European values and practices during this period contributed to Australia being considered a Western society, even though it is geographically located in the Eastern Hemisphere.
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Western models of governance
Australia is considered a Western country, despite its geographical location in the Eastern Hemisphere. The modern definition of the "Western World" is based on cultural, political, or economic identities rather than geography. This definition includes countries strongly influenced by European values or with populations descended from European colonists, such as Australia.
The Western democratic model has faced increasing criticism for its internal crises and departure from its foundational values. Its implementation in non-Western contexts has led to corruption, nepotism, and the exclusion of certain societal segments. This has sparked discussions on the emergence of alternative models, such as the Asian model of governance.
The Asian model of governance aims to incorporate shared cultural and historical norms, along with intra-regional transnational knowledge transfer. Countries like China and Singapore have been labelled as 'authoritarian' for pursuing their unique development paths. However, the rise of Asia's global influence and the influence of leaders like Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew and Malaysia's Mahathir have challenged Western dominance.
In summary, Western models of governance are associated with democratic principles and values, but they are not universally successful or applicable. The rise of alternative models, such as the Asian one, highlights the limitations of Western governance and the need for contextually appropriate approaches.
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Membership in Western-oriented organisations
Australia's membership in significant Western-oriented international organisations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Commonwealth of Nations, solidifies its position as part of the Western world. Australia's legal system, democratic governance, and economic structures are primarily influenced by Western models. Its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law aligns closely with Western values.
Australia's historical ties with Western nations, particularly its former coloniser, the United Kingdom, are also important factors. The British influence is evident in Australia's legal framework, educational system, and parliamentary practices. The shared English language and cultural traditions have further deepened the historical and cultural connections between Australia and Western countries.
Additionally, Australia was a member of the Western Bloc during the Cold War and participated in conflicts such as the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, and the Vietnam War. Australia's alignment with Western nations during this period further contributed to its association with the Western world.
In terms of geography, Australia is located in the Eastern Hemisphere, but it is included in modern definitions of the Western world due to its historical and cultural influences. Australia has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population, with immigrants accounting for 30% of its population, the highest proportion among major Western nations. This diversity contributes to Australia's position as a Western-oriented society.
Australia's active participation in Western-oriented organisations and its alignment with Western models of governance, values, and cultural exchange illustrate its deep integration with the Western world.
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Shared values and institutions
Australia is considered a Western country due to its shared values and institutions with other Western nations. While Australia's geographical location in the Southern Hemisphere sets it apart, its cultural, political, and economic ties with Western countries are strong.
Australia's legal system, democratic governance, and economic structures are primarily influenced by Western models. Its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law aligns closely with Western values. Additionally, Australia's membership in significant Western-oriented international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Commonwealth of Nations, further solidifies its Western alignment.
The British influence is particularly notable in Australia's legal framework, educational system, and parliamentary practices. The shared English language and cultural traditions have also deepened the historical and cultural connections between Australia and Western countries.
Australia's historical ties with Western nations, especially its former colonizer, the United Kingdom, have played a significant role in shaping its Western identity. The influence of Christianity, which is deeply rooted in Western civilization, is another factor that contributes to Australia's shared values with Western societies.
While Australia embraces Western values and institutions, it is important to acknowledge that the concept of the "West" is broad and can be interpreted differently. Australia's unique geographic location and cultural diversity may set it apart in some respects, leading some to recognize it as a distinct entity within the broader Western world.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia is considered a Western country. While it may not be the first country that comes to mind when identifying the Western world due to its geographical location in the southern hemisphere, its cultural, political, and economic connections with Western countries make it an integral part of the Western world.
The most widely accepted modern definition of the “Western World” is based not upon geographical location but upon the cultural (or when appropriate, political or economic) identities of the countries in question. It generally refers to the classical era cultures of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and their Christian successors that expanded across the Mediterranean basin and Europe, and later circulated around the world predominantly through colonisation and globalisation.
Examples of countries that are considered Western include those in Western Europe, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, France, Spain, and Italy, as well as those outside of Europe that have been influenced by Western European culture, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
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