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?

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.

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.

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.

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.