Australia and Japan's Return to International Society: Negotiating Allies and the Afro‐Asian Bloc, 1952–56

In December 1956, Japan gained membership of the United Nations, marking a significant milestone in Japan's return to international society. approximately five years since San Francisco Peace Treaty took effect April 1952, this had been difficult diplomatic issue for Australian government. This article examines how government dealt with by focusing upon intersection Australia's policy towards and status as member emergent Afro-Asian bloc. argues that engagement rest bloc was rising factor Canberra's consideration place world, thereby helping revisit orthodox historiography Australia–Japan relations during early Cold War era which often overemphasises rapid growth bilateral trade.