Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, adopted an aggressive foreign policy primarily to assert Indonesia's sovereignty and promote nationalism in a post-colonial context. Here are some key reasons behind this approach:
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National Identity and Sovereignty: Sukarno aimed to establish Indonesia as a sovereign nation after centuries of colonial rule. An assertive foreign policy was a way to demonstrate Indonesia's independence and to solidify national identity.
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Non-Aligned Movement: Sukarno was one of the founding figures of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to provide an alternative to the bipolar world dominated by the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. By adopting an aggressive foreign policy, he positioned Indonesia as a leader among newly independent nations resisting both Western and Eastern bloc influences.
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Confrontation with Colonial Powers: Sukarno’s government pursued a confrontational stance towards former colonial powers, especially in issues related to West New Guinea and the struggle against neocolonialism. His aggressive posture was intended to rally domestic support and assert Indonesia's claim over disputed territories.
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Promotion of Pan-Asianism and Anti-Imperialism: Sukarno sought to foster unity among Asian and African nations against imperialism and colonialism. His foreign policy included advocating for cooperation among countries in the region, often asserting Indonesia’s role as a leader in this movement.
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Domestic Politics: Internally, an aggressive foreign policy also served to unify the diverse factions within Indonesia. By focusing on external threats and issues, Sukarno aimed to consolidate his power and distract from domestic challenges.
Overall, Sukarno's aggressive foreign policy reflected his vision of creating a strong, independent Indonesia that could stand on the global stage and advocate for the rights of newly independent nations.