Building disaster resilience in the Pacific: The Yasawa case study

In the wake of tropical cyclone Evan in 2012, a Fijian organisation – Live & Learn Environmental Education – helped a local charity to implement a food bank scheme in the Yasawa community. The project showed its real strengths four years later, when cyclone Winston devastated the islands again.

Vanuatu agro-forestry boosts food security

When Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu in 2015, sweeping away gardens, trees and houses, a network of local organisations set about ending food insecurity in some of the country’s worst affected communities.

From construction to confrontation in the “Indo-Pacific”

‘Indo-Pacific’ has shifted from a geographic construct to an arena for mounting contest—and the label for a US strategy.

One step forward, two steps back in the Pacific

Australia’s attempts to enhance its influence in the Pacific Islands will only succeed through policies that also serve the national interests of Pacific Island states.

Three realities for the Pacific family and Australia’s step-up agenda

The new Morrison government, and Alex Hawke in particular, need to show they are listening to and acting on this voice from the Pacific to have credibility in building on the Pacific step-up.

Safeguarding Pacific sovereignty from within

The Australian government’s “step-up” in the Pacific looks to safeguard islands from Chinese influence, but tackling domestic crime and corruption is also vital to protect their integrity.

Singing the same tune? Scott Morrison and Australia’s Pacific family

The Christian faith of Australia’s prime minister helps connect him to the Solomon Islands, but the “family” relationship between the two countries will be strained unless his government changes immigration policy and takes action on the climate crisis.

Stepping up without stamping out Pacific infrastructure

Three simple measures could help improve Australia’s aid, commercial and security relationships with Pacific Island Nations, while encouraging development in the region.

Why Pacific nations play the aid game

Pacific island nations have become skilled in playing foreign powers against each other to maximise the aid and funding they receive.

Our Pacific neighbours need more than kind words

Pacific countries are eager for assistance in securing their future, whether sourced from old friends like the US and Australia, or new enthusiasts like the Chinese.

The Pacific can be more than a ‘nursery’ for Australian exporters

The Pacific Islands are a strategic playing field for Australian exporters before expanding to Asia and beyond, but Australian policymakers should also respect the economic independence of Pacific nations, according to UNSW expert Tim Harcourt.

Solomon Islands elections – Continuity, with change or vice versa?

Solomon Islands has held its first general election since the end of the regional assistance mission in 2017. Although it is too early to determine the full extent of the conduct and integrity of the elections, they were peaceful and there have been some notable electoral reforms.