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The emergence of terrorism in the early 20 th century has changing the Australia’s view of international security. Right away after United State of America launch the campaign Global War on Terror, Australia committed to join in this movement as their effort against terrorism. One of the implementation of the Global War on Terror was the military operation in Iraq War and Australia under John Howard’s leadership decided to become one of the participant in this military operation. John Howard’s decision to deploy troops in Iraq considered as the implementation of forward defence policy.Debate and protest colouring Australia when Howard insisted to apply forward defence by his decision to involved in Iraq war 2003; some people believe that it was the best and the most effective way to prevent Australia defence in-depth and other just disagree. Those who opposed Australian involvement in Iraq War believe that the decision is merely as a form of support to Australia’s alliance, United Stated of America, as a leader of the military operation. Besides protes and debate were existed, this decision also become one of the most controversial decision for Australia’s defence because its unconformity with their latest defence principle, self reliance. Based on the situation, this thesis will focus on two things; to analyze reasons behind John Howard’s decision to apply forward defence policy by Australian involvement in Iraq War 2003 and to see the response of Australia’s immediate neighbor related to the decision and its impact to their relationship.

Kata Kunci : Australia, John Howard, defence, forward defence policy, Iraq war 2003