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’.

PNG to push out Facebook, taking a sharp turn into cyber censorship

PNG’s Communications Minister Sam Basil, a regular Facebook user himself, has announced that PNG will shut down the social media site for a month so that his department can research how the network is being used. Whether or not it actually happens, the announcement bodes ill for the nation.

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.

‘Glocalism’ turns its eye to the Indo-Pacific

Salafi-jihadi ‘glocalism’ involves the meshing of local points of discontent with the transnational goals of al‑Qaeda and similar terrorist groups. The violence it fuels is a growing threat in the Indo-Pacific as the jihadis flee from crushing defeats in the Middle East.

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.

Why China’s ‘debt-book diplomacy’ in the Pacific shouldn’t ring alarm bells just yet

Talk of Chinese “debt trap” diplomacy is nothing new, but a recent report by Harvard University researchers has resurrected long-held fears that China’s debt diplomacy poses a threat to Australian interests in the Pacific.

The power of collaboration between PNG and Australia

Members of the inaugural Pacific Connect Business Network Dialogue in Papua New Guinea share their stories on Open Forum. This is the first in a new series of blogs from our PNG partners, in the lead-up to the Pacific Connect Forum in Sydney this September.

Blockchain technology offers a catalyst for Australia-Pacific collaboration in Papua New Guinea

The ‘Second Track’ leads to first class collaboration opportunities for emerging leaders in Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Developing maritime awareness for the ‘Blue Pacific’

Australia and the Pacific island states need a better understanding of activity in the waters that surround them and to work more closely to deal with threats, incursions and crises.

Australia to fund internet cable to PNG and Solomons

Australia has pledged to cover two thirds of the $200 million cost of a new high-speed internet cable for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands but concerns have been raised about its impact on the existing aid budget.

Australia should be a regional leader on youth, peace and security

The UN-led Youth, Peace and Security agenda highlights the benefits of working with youth to address violence and insecurity globally. Australia’s foreign policy is behind the curve when it comes to recognising and partnering with young people for positive change.