Blog
Oceania
The Power of Australia’s Pleasantly Boring Politics
By Grant Wyeth
It turns out the protection of liberal democracy doesn't need to be passionate and stirring; it may instead just need to be temperate and competent.
New Zealand’s Relationship With India Is in Trouble
By Geoffrey Miller
Despite New Zealand's once-ambitious plans, the relationship has stagnated, if not declined outright, over the past five years.
Why Australia Needs Immigration Reform
By Grant Wyeth
Immigration is one of the primary tools Australia has at its disposal to become a more secure, more prosperous, and more influential country.
Solomon Islands Insisted China References Be Removed Before Signing US-Pacific Partnership Declaration
By Nick Perry
Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele explained why his government was going to refuse to sign the pact.
Sogavare the Spoiler and the US Pacific Partnership Strategy
By Patricia O’Brien
The Solomon Islands’ prime minister promises to be a bit of a spoiler during the summit, even as Washington unveils its Pacific Partnership Strategy.
What to Watch for as the US-Pacific Island Country Summit Begins
By Patricia O’Brien
Behind the hopes and pageantry of the summit, there will be many challenges for both sides to navigate.
Australia Aims for an Ambassador for First Nations People
By Melissa Conley Tyler and Grant Wyeth
The new government is fulfilling its election commitment to establish a First Nations Foreign Policy.
New Zealand’s Ardern Continues Tilt Toward the West at the UN
By Geoffrey Miller
The Russia-Ukraine War was a major dividing line at the U.N. General Assembly, and Ardern largely spoke with those of a similar mindset.
Australia’s Budding Climate Change Reversal
By Grant Wyeth
Canberra now seeks to play a leading diplomatic role in the global effort to cut carbon emissions, but actions are more important than words.
A Year After AUKUS, What Challenges Loom Largest?
By Grant Wyeth
From Indonesian concerns to possible overreliance on an unpredictable U.S., Australia’s nuclear submarine ambitions present plenty of challenges.
Australian PM Defends Ban on Parliament Due to Royal’s Death
By Rod McGuirk
Albanese wants an Australian president to replace the British monarch as the nation’s head of state. But he has brushed off questions about creating an Australian republic since the queen’s death.
Australia-Japan Relations: No Hostage to War Memory
By Shaun O'Dwyer
In the long term, reconciliation efforts and growing commercial relations with Japan helped dim bitter Pacific War memories in Australia.