Competition in the Pacific is being driven by Pacific islands’ vulnerability and foreign partners’ desire to grow or maintain region-shaping influence. Competition is not just occurring in the security space, but across economic partnerships, infrastructure …
Patrol boats, infrastructure, training and other security supports given to Pacific island countries aren’t entirely gifts. The givers are hoping for something in return, even if they don’t say so. Many partners seek to provide …
Vanuatu and Australia are poised to sign a reshaped and reformed broader strategic agreement in September that will supersede the stalled 2022 bilateral security agreement. In addition to boosting Vanuatu’s security sector, the new agreement—worth …
When asked on Insiders about the United States’ review of AUKUS contributions, Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy made a subtle but important point: Australia’s aid and diplomatic spending, particularly in the Pacific, should count …
The signing of the Falepili Union Treaty in 2023 marked an unprecedented level of commitment and security unity between Australia and Tuvalu. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as ‘the most significant agreement between …
