Great powers and small islands: An update from the Pacific and its engagement with Australia

There is very little mature international press coverage of the geo-strategic contest that is playing out in the Pacific. This is sometimes even true in Australia, where media attention can be fitful despite the region’s proximity. It must seem remote indeed for those further afield who seek to take a strategic interest. Much of the public commentary makes the region sound like a vacant expanse where China is locked in mortal combat with the West, led by Australia as its chief representative in the region. The competition is real, and the stakes are high, but this common narrative tends to ignore the people of the region themselves—the challenges they face, their priorities, and their aspirations.

The world’s largest ocean is home to a range of proud, diverse, culturally rich communities. Some inhabit the rugged terrain of the region’s largest country, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Others live on archipelagos, which occupy stupendously large maritime zones. Most are plentiful in fishery stocks and minerals potential, including the new minerals needed for the future global economy. But many also face serious development challenges, with health and education services struggling to keep up with the needs of rapidly growing populations.