Security – Pacific Islands Report

Pacific Islands Security In the Era of US-China Competition

August 1, 2025 Blue Pacific, China, Climate Change, pacific islands, Pan-Pacific, Political Leadership and Regionalism, Security, Stories, United States

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.

Great Power Competition Requires Bilateral Engagement. Are Pacific Island Nations Ready?

November 6, 2024 Climate, Defense, Geopolitics, PSIDS, Security, Stories, United States

The growing US-China rivalry has positioned Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) as key players on the global stage. Yet, despite newfound attention, structural challenges linked to their size and limited resources constrain PSIDS’ ability to influence bilateral outcomes favorably.

Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap in Pacific National Security Planning

June 25, 2024 Defense, Policy, Risk, Security, Stories, Strategy

The effectiveness of national security planning in Pacific Island Countries is constrained by a so-called ‘strategy-execution’ gap. This article proposes four broad approaches for closing the strategy-execution gap.

India’s Independent Pivot to the Pacific Reimagines Old Ties

May 26, 2024 Commonwealth, Economy, India, Indo-Pacific, Security, Stories

“India’s Independent Pivot to the Pacific Reimagines Old Ties” contemplates India’s historical and contemporary position in the Indo-Pacific region, especially with the Pacific Islands. As India seeks to expand its presence and diplomatic footprint through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, leveraging old and new forums for dialogue and cooperation will be to India’s advantage as it builds relationships in the Pacific.

The Pacific Islands and Japan: Promoting the Rule of Law and Justice in a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

May 26, 2024 Environment, FOIP, Japan, Nuclear, Security, Stories

Collaborative efforts between the Pacific Islands and Japan can promote the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Japan can pave the way for mutually beneficial cooperation through working with Pacific Island countries to enforce the rule of law in the maritime domain and promote environmental and nuclear justice.