The Great Game in the Pacific Islands

Pacific Islanders have found their region, previously undervalued by larger powers, now a focal point for strategic competition.

A new Lowy Institute Data Snapshot explores the drivers, battle grounds and consequences of geopolitical rivalry in the region.

The interactive report, entitled The Great Game in the Pacific Islands, by Lowy Institute scholars Mihai Sora, Dr Jessica Collins and Dr Meg Keen, reveals how Pacific Island countries are leveraging major power competition, striking hard bargains to maximise development benefits.

Yet unbridled strategic rivalry also presents challenges to good governance and transparency. This can further complicate the ability of Pacific Island countries to address the impacts of climate change, corruption, political instability, post-pandemic debt distress and rapid population growth.

“The Pacific’s geopolitical landscape is increasingly crowded, with multiple powers vying for influence,” write Sora, Keen and Collins.

“China is expanding its reach through diplomatic relations, infrastructure projects, and development finance, while traditional partners such as Australia and the United States strive to maintain their influence.

“But competition can distract from the Pacific’s most pressing needs, and much more could be done to help improve the overall development and security trajectory of Pacific countries.”

Lowy Institute Research Director Hervé Lemahieu said the Data Snapshot was underpinned by findings from several of the Institute’s flagship research projects.

“The authors have synthesised the Institute’s original data and in-depth research on the region to arrive at a comprehensive assessment of the strategic factors shaping this hotly contested region.”

You can access the Data Snapshot at the Lowy Institute website.

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