The Release of Sean Turnell

Question 1

Relevant FPI, Power

Answer 1

-Quiet diplomatic power - see quote
-Diplomacy FPI
-Soft power

Question 2

Background + dates

Answer 2

-Sean Turnell, an Australian economic advisor to former Myanmar leader Suu Kyi, was arrested by Myanmar’s military junta following a coup in February 2021
-He was sentenced to three years imprisonment for violating the state’s official state secrets act, but was pardoned and released in November 2022 following lobbying from the Australian Government

Question 3

Pragmatism/ Idealism

Answer 3

-Example of pragmatism as Turnell was an Australian, who was wrongfully detained in a nation which Australia does not have similar ideological values to. Therefore it was a practical decision

Question 4

Effectiveness/ importance

Answer 4

-Very effective use of diplomacy
-In the grand scheme, this diplomacy still is not as impactful as a large national security policy for example, despite the importance of getting Turnell back to Australia safely

Question 5

Quote - David Speers - ABC RN breakfast, 2022

Answer 5

“They took the approach of quiet diplomacy”