A Level GP Discussion: The Indonesians Collecting Coins For Tony Abbot

•Has the internet revolutionised politics? (What does this incident show?)

–In international politics, citizens can express their views more out rightly and can openly criticize the views of other governments

–E.g. Indonesians’ used #CoinForAustralia social media campaign to express their fury over Australia PM Tony Abbott remarks on sparing the 2 Australian drug traffickers on death row because Australia extended a A$1bn aid package after the 2004 tsunami

–Indonesian citizens openly resist Australia’s attempts at unlawful interference of Indonesia’s capital punishment for drug traffickers

–More awareness and politicking of international relations by ordinary citizens. Heads of states and foreign ministers have to be more cautious of what they say as they are subject to strict scrutiny by the general public. They also have to exercise more caution as such insensitive comments (whether intentional or not) can fray fragile diplomatic relations with other countries.