THE EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFF A SMALL QUASI-STATE WITHIN A FEDERAL SYSTEM - THE CASE OF THE AUSTRALIAN-CAPITAL-TERRITORY

Small territories that host the governing institutions of large federa tions find difficulty in establishing a distinctive political identity or autonomous political institutions. This article charts the long ge station of the Australian Capital Territory as a sui generis polity wi thin the Commonwealth of Australia. It examines the difficulties that arose in devising and managing a tissue of relationships with neighbou ring states of the federation as well as with the Commonwealth governm ent. It argues that the emergence of Canberra as a regional centre of commerce, residence and recreation, as well as a centre of government and a home of national symbols, modified its identity within the Commo nwealth and lent weight to the Territory's political claims. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.