To each their own ‘Indo-Pacific’

The concept of the ‘Indo-Pacific’ is a framing device, not a geographical reality. Its proponents shape what they mean by the term around their different interests and so, far from talking about the same thing, each country has its own ‘Indo-Pacific’.

Kangaroo step-up and Kiwi reset in the South Pacific

Australia and New Zealand understand the demand to do more in the Pacific and the need to do some things differently. Whatever future directions both countries take, they must pursue them together.

Australia and the South Pacific: come to my aid

Australian development assistance and aid dollars are always being put to use in communities in the Pacific Islands, doing essential work even when Canberra’s attention is elsewhere.

The tyranny of distance: Corporate harm on the frontline in the Pacific

Unseen and unheard, the voices of Pacific Island communities on the frontline of deforestation, irresponsible mining and seabed exploitation are being overlooked and human rights abuses are going unchecked in remote rural regions.

Aid, influence and ‘strategic anxiety’ in the Pacific

Australia is concerned about China’s increased engagement with the South Pacific. However, while Australia does have a long history of fretting about great-power intrusion into the region, its concerns may also be influenced by alliance considerations.

Hollow hegemon: Australia’s declining influence in the Pacific

Australia has vastly more material resources than its Pacific neighbours, but its long presumed ‘natural right to lead’ in the region is under threat as other powers seek influence and Pacific nations reassess their alliance options.

Assessing Australia’s South Pacific guest worker programme

A new report from the World Bank offers a detailed examination of the impact of Australia’s guest worker programme on labour from the South Pacific. The study also suggests eleven ways to improve inclusion, equity and economic returns.

Marshall Islands to launch official cryptocurrency

As cryptocurrencies become increasingly mainstream, the Marshall Islands are planning to launch the world’s first digital legal tender. Lawmakers hope the residents will use the Sovereign (SOV) digital currency for everything from paying taxes to buying groceries.

It’s time for a fresh start with ASEAN

Australia’s muddled relationship with ASEAN has cost the country exports and influence. The holding of the first Australia–ASEAN Special Summit in March 2018 offers a chance to get things right.

South Australian incubator is #1 in the Asia Pacific

A university incubator based in Australia’s first innovation hub has been named the ‘Top Challenger in the Asia-Pacific’ in a leading international survey.