Australia in the Pacific

Historian Ian Hoskins’s new book “Australia and the Pacific: a history” offers a sweeping account of Australia’s role in shaping – for good and ill – the current geo-political state of the Pacific.

The Pacific wants action on climate change

The Pacific Islands are at the frontline of climate change and as rising seas threaten their very existence, these tiny nation states will not be submerged without a fight.

Cracks in the Pacific

The ongoing power struggle in Samoa is just one of several thorny political issues affecting Pacific Island Nations or disrupting regional unity.

Fractures from within: What now for the Pacific Islands Forum?

The Micronesian states’ decision to withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum has fractured the esteemed organisation in a deep and potentially disruptive way for Pacific regionalism. The question of where we go from here remains unanswered.

US–China rivalry ramps up pressure on the Pacific islands

When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. As the US–China geostrategic competition intensifies, Pacific island countries find themselves caught in the middle.

Is Australia doing enough to support the Pacific?

The health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis are being felt by our Pacific neighbours, and it’s in Australia interests to help.

Helping fast-growing Pacific towns battle COVID-19

Pacific islands face unique challenges in combating COVID-19, and will need unique solutions to come out of the crisis unscathed.

Australia can play a leading role in the post-COVID Pacific

When the impact of Covid-19 is fully felt in the Pacific, Australia’s step-up strategy will need to be revised and upgraded to support our neighbours and repel the spectre of unwanted Chinese intrusion.

Six inquiries on Australia’s South Pacific step-up

Australia is doing a lot of thinking about what steps to take in the South Pacific, but how high does the ‘Pacific step-up’ have to go?

A rising tide swamps the currents of change

The past year has been a time of considerable change for the Pacific Islands, with new leadership, new partnerships and even the potential for new nations all coming into being.

Press freedom under threat in the South Pacific

Journalism has always been a tough trade in the South Pacific but growing pressure from China is threatening to make the situation worse.

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.