Australia has long shifted from neglect to anxiety and activity in its relationship with the Pacific. Here’s why, and how, that needs to change.
- Professor of International Security, Adelaide University
There are legitimate concerns about China. But the Australia-Fiji pact looks like “sugar-rush” diplomacy: announcements first, hard questions later.
Beyond New Zealand, no other country is as embedded as Australia in the national and regional institutions of Pacific Islands countries.
It might be tempting for Labor to continue a ‘small target’ when it comes to Donald Trump. But the new government needs the courage to ask difficult questions.
Australia currently spends 2% of GDP on defence. Donald Trump wants it to be 3%. What is the magic number? We asked five experts
No Australian government has offered PNG a binding security guarantee in the past. The current government must address four concerns before signing on the dotted line.
The new deal between the countries seems to offer Nauru an economic lifeline while giving Australia security in the region. But the details reveal issues still to be resolved.
In a crowded region, it’s hard to know who is doing what, and where. Effective statecraft, though, is not always measured by quantity over quality.
Instead of just offering defence funding, we need to look at how hard we make it for Pacific Islanders to come here if we want a really meaningful relationship.
New research on Australia’s statecraft shows the individuals behind official programs and policies are as important as the work itself.
Both Anthony Albanese and Jacinda Ardern had successful meetings at the Pacific Islands Forum – but there is much more work to be done in the region.
Before we work ourselves into a frenzy over Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Solomon Islands, it is worth pausing for breath.
A leaked draft security agreement seemingly proves Chinese spending ‘bought’ enough influence to get the Solomon Islands government. But such an interpretation misses two key issues.
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