The Pacific Islands include over a dozen countries and territories spanning an area four times the size of the continental United States. The Pacific Islands see themselves not as small island countries, but as large ocean states forming a “Blue Pacific Continent.” The United States is increasingly focusing its attention on the region, particularly amid China’s growing engagement and the impacts of climate change. In support of U.S. government priorities, USIP is pursuing a range of projects focused on peace and stability in the Pacific Islands and elevating dialogue with the region.

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In the Pacific, Aid Should Be About More than Competition with China

In the Pacific, Aid Should Be About More than Competition with China

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Outside powers often treat aid as an easy geopolitical win in the Pacific. However, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Minister for National Planning Sir Ano Pala’s recent public critique of Australian aid at Australia’s latest development plan launch in PNG punctured this perception. Pala’s statement should serve as a reminder that Pacific Island countries won’t be bought with aid packages in the tussle for geopolitical influence in the region, particularly those that do not align with Pacific priorities or build local capacities.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

Gordon Peake on the Pope in Southeast Asia and the Pacific

Gordon Peake on the Pope in Southeast Asia and the Pacific

Monday, September 16, 2024

During his 10-day trip to the region, the pope used “straight, plain-spoken language” while discussing pressing issues — such as climate change in Indonesia and violence against women in Papua New Guinea — in the hopes of spurring change, said USIP’s Gordon Peake: “No pun intended, he has a bit of a bully pulpit in these matters.”

Type: Podcast

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