Australia and, to an extent, New Zealand remain the default states to which most Pacific Island countries typically turn in times of natural disaster, or as security and development partners. Even so, the regional diplomatic scene is much more dynamic and challenging for Australian interests than it was a decade ago. The regional diplomatic architecture has grown increasingly more complex, with new organisations and regional and sub-regional groupings becoming more active, and with New Caledonia and French Polynesia admitted to the Pacific Islands Forum as full members. External players such as China and Indonesia are much more visible in regional affairs. Our research on geopolitics and regionalism is addressing the drivers of, and trends in, regional politics and diplomacy.

Subtopics within this program of research include:

Emerging players

Conventional wisdom has it that China’s influence in the Pacific is steadily increasing, and at Australia’s expense. It is important to question and test assumptions about growing and declining influence, and to understand these issues at a granular level. DPA researchers are continuing their research on the reality of China’s interaction with the Pacific and on Indonesia’s growing diplomatic engagement in the Pacific.

Regionalism and regional governance

DPA research is addressing the ways in which regionalism and diplomacy are evolving in the Pacific, including the proliferation of sub-regional and new regional bodies. Our research examines not only the diplomatic interests and initiatives of Pacific Island states (individually and collectively), but also the implications of relevant trends for Australian interests and policy in the region.