Now for the hard part

The Albanese government is enjoying something of a honeymoon in the Pacific, but it’s unlikely to last as formidable challenges loom, and the inbuilt structural imbalance between Australia and its smaller neighbours will inevitably generate tensions and disappointments.

Yours in the Pacific

The Australian government is moving fast to reset relations with Australia’s Pacific partners, including a larger Pacific role for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The plastic Pacific

The Albanese government is advancing Australia’s Pacific interests by supporting island nations’ efforts to deal with marine plastics pollution.

Climate action can win back the Pacific

Though Australia’s regional strategy increasingly focuses on the Pacific, regional leaders have grown distrustful of Canberra, but proactive climate policy may win some back.

The Pacific Islands Forum can learn from ASEAN

Pacific Islands Forum members could consider what ARF mechanisms might be usefully adapted to the Pacific context to ensure that Pacific regionalism is an effective buffer and bulwark in the face of strategic competition.

Climate partnerships in the Pacific

The Indo-Pacific has emerged as prominent geopolitical theatre. Pacific Island states have adeptly used international fora and cultivated multilateral partnerships to address their greatest concern — climate change.

Digital development in the Pacific

Technological change is both an opportunity and risk for Pacific nations. Australia must take this into consideration when engaging in development programs.

Changing the conversation on Pacific infrastructure

Australia should prioritise initiatives and models that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits in its aid to the Pacific.

Peacebuilding in the Pacific

Australia has made a concerted pivot towards the Pacific. Although the attention is welcome, Australia’s tools and methods of foreign policy need updating.

Looking back to move forward with Pacific labour relations

Closer labour ties with our Pacific neighbours could help Australia maintain good relations with the region.

China in the South Pacific

Beijing is moving at high speed to co-opt South Pacific states economically and then use that leverage to achieve broader goals, including the ability to project military power across the Indo-Pacific.

Warmer seas mean smaller fish in Micronesia

As Pacific Islanders struggle to survive in the face of climate change, they will need to adapt their traditional ways of fishing to the new reality.