A project of the East-West Center and the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
The Pacific Islands face significant threats from climate change, jeopardizing US strategic interests. Increased US diplomatic engagement and support for climate resilience are essential. Meanwhile, China’s growing influence in the region, highlighted by economic ties and security agreements, necessitates a cooperative approach from the US to ensure regional stability and security.
Andrew Taylor Awa from Honiara, studying for a Master of Laws at the University of Hawaiʻi, addresses systemic healthcare inequities in the Solomon Islands linked to institutionalized racism. He highlights challenges in accessing medical services, especially in rural areas, while emphasizing the need for improved governance and decentralization to ensure equitable healthcare access.
Gabriel Otis, a master’s candidate at George Washington University, emphasizes the weakening U.S. focus on the Pacific under President Trump, highlighted by reduced soft power and climate change neglect. This disengagement risks regional instability, opening opportunities for China, while urging a return to collaborative engagement to enhance security and partnerships in the Blue Pacific.
Lloyd Loji highlights the evolving role of Pacific media amid climate change and geopolitical tensions. Serving as watchdogs, they ensure accountability and transparency while tackling challenges like limited resources and governmental censorship. Investigative journalism is vital for exposing corruption and fostering public engagement, ultimately promoting a safer and more informed Blue Pacific.
Elizabeth Yen Tzu Liew explores China’s sports diplomacy in the Pacific Island Countries, particularly using Papua New Guinea as a case study. This strategy enhances bilateral relationships through infrastructure and sports exchanges, deepening cultural ties while positioning China as a viable partner amidst a multipolar world, ultimately reinforcing its foreign policy goals.
Vicky Jade Lukan, a master’s student, reflects on her childhood experiences and the communal tradition of Malngag ko Ppin in Rumung, an island facing outmigration and cultural shifts due to globalization. During a recent visit, she observed the significant changes in the island’s environment and traditions, highlighting the resilience of the remaining women.
The Pacific Islands’ media landscape, crucial for cultural preservation and social accountability, faces challenges from climate change, political interference, and limited resources. It plays a pivotal role in promoting Indigenous voices, educating on environmental issues, and advocating for press freedom. Embracing digitization and regional cooperation is essential for the media’s evolution and sustainability.
Miriama Bono highlights the participation of Tahitian artist Tahe Drollet in the SaVĀge K’lub at Canberra’s National Art Gallery, alongside performances responding to Paul Gauguin’s work. Drollet’s piece, “Riding the Settler,” intertwines Polynesian and Western influences, allowing for cultural dialogue. This exhibition signifies a significant step for Tahitian representations in global art.
Kenji Cataldo, a master’s student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, explores the significance of storytelling in Pacific studies. The newly launched podcast, Oceania Currents, captures voices from the region, discussing critical issues like climate change and cultural preservation. Notable conversations engage scholars and activists, emphasizing the power of oral history.
Jennifer Corrin, professor emerita at the University of Queensland, discusses the controversial appointment of Malcolm Bishop KC as Lord Chief Justice of Tonga amid laws that criminalize same-sex relations. The reaction reflects broader objections tied to Tonga’s judicial appointment processes and societal attitudes toward homosexuality across several Pacific Island nations.