Turning point at Tulagi

Tulagi marked a turning point in the Pacific campaign during World War II, and the fate of the island today may once again signify a seismic shift in regional power.

One big Pacific family?

Despite the lip-service paid to our “Pacific Family”, how genuine is Australia’s concern for welfare and prosperity of Pacific Island countries when aid increasingly advantages external corporate interests at the expense of PIC communities?

Australia-Pacific connections for a digital future

Pacific Connect brings together emerging leaders and entrepreneurs from across the South Pacific and a recent Ideas Exchange at NSW Parliament House showed the power of the program to make meaningful connections.

Why the Solomon Islands and Kiribati switched sides

Kiribati and Solomon Islands have switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China and the move is about more than the Chinese Communist Party’s relentless campaign to isolate Taiwan.

Australia on the rocks in the Pacific

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd argues that Australia’s inactivity on climate change is damaging our ability to ‘Step Up’ regional engagement in the Pacific and counter the growing influence of China.

Bainimarama visit highlights Pacific “family ties”

Scott Morrison has emphasised Australia’s ‘family relationship’ with Pacific nations, and we’ll get a good idea of the state of relations when Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama visits Canberra this week.

Climate, coal and kinship in Australia-Pacific relations

Australia’s efforts at developing a positive relationship with the Pacific Islands appear to be shadowed by Australia’s continued reliance on coal, which has greatly angered Pacific leaders.

Aid must cover more than infrastructure

Improving Pacific infrastructure will help the region’s development, but a wider range of aid is required to help Pacific islands make the most of their potential.

The ‘Samoan model’ offers hope to female politicians in the Pacific

While elections in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam and Solomon Islands have brought in record numbers of women MPs, the Pacific region as a whole is still at the bottom of global league tables on women’s representation.

Morrison’s moment of truth in the Pacific

Can Australia’s prime minister convince the leaders of Pacific Island countries that he is serious about regional engagement when they are sceptical of Australia’s record on climate change?

Family and foreign policy in the South Pacific

Australia’s pivot to the South Pacific talks up both personal connections and foreign policy interests. but these different elements can repel as well as attract.

Between two worlds: The forgotten voices of Oceania

Australian documentary maker Kalolaine Fainu talks about her new work – a tribute to her ancestors and a seldom witnessed exchange between Pacific and Australian cultures.