Crime waves

Economic diversification is exposing Pacific islands countries to new criminal threats, according to the latest report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific

In a world of geopolitical turbulence and great power rivalry, three recent high-level meetings illustrate the strong and shared interest that the EU and the Indo-Pacific countries have in enhancing their collective security, prosperity and resilience.

Both sides now

Two studies, the 2023 Lowy Institute Poll and a 2020 Whitlam Institute report, provide interesting insights on two interrelated issues — how Australians perceive their country’s role in the Pacific, and how Pacific Islanders view Australia in relation to development and diplomacy in the region.

The US returns to the Pacific

The US is trying to return to the Pacific in full force, but it has to be mindful of the real needs of the region. Joining onto climate platforms that support the mitigation of Pacific Island challenges will go a long way to building real and sustainable support for US goals.

Progress in the Pacific

Australia and its western allies have enjoyed some success in stemming the increasing economic, diplomatic and military influence of China in PNG and the Pacific but there is no cause for complacency.

Reaching out to the people of the South Pacific

While China woos the leaders of the South Pacific, Australia’s great counter-offer is to the region’s people.

Talk to, not at, the Pacific

Institutionalising a program of track 1.5 dialogues between officials and non-government experts from Australia, New Zealand, other partners and the Pacific would build understanding of the region, enhance relationships, deepen trust and provide a platform for Pacific voices and perspectives.

Australia in the Pacific

Historian Ian Hoskins’s new book “Australia and the Pacific: a history” offers a sweeping account of Australia’s role in shaping – for good and ill – the current geo-political state of the Pacific.

The Pacific wants action on climate change

The Pacific Islands are at the frontline of climate change and as rising seas threaten their very existence, these tiny nation states will not be submerged without a fight.

Cracks in the Pacific

The ongoing power struggle in Samoa is just one of several thorny political issues affecting Pacific Island Nations or disrupting regional unity.

Fractures from within: What now for the Pacific Islands Forum?

The Micronesian states’ decision to withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum has fractured the esteemed organisation in a deep and potentially disruptive way for Pacific regionalism. The question of where we go from here remains unanswered.

US–China rivalry ramps up pressure on the Pacific islands

When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. As the US–China geostrategic competition intensifies, Pacific island countries find themselves caught in the middle.