Pacific Islanders have found their region, previously undervalued by larger powers, now a focal point for strategic competition. Faced with this new “great game”, Pacific Island countries have become diplomatic price-setters and are leveraging increased competition to maximise development benefits. But unbridled strategic rivalry also presents challenges to good governance and transparency in the region...

This paper outlines the nature of current geopolitical competition in the Pacific region and proposes regional and multilateral engagement initiatives that can both advance regional resilience and development, and meet Western strategic objectives.

Solomon Islands has embraced the regional Blue Pacific and Pacific Oceanscape concepts for sustainable oceans management and translated the core principles into national action.

At Pacific Urban Forum5 (PUF5), Pacific Island governments, non-government organisations and academic institutions were well represented with the geographic spread of representation and attendance numbers the highest yet. This briefing paper provides an overview of the prominent issues at the PUF5 and an analysis of future prospects for sustainable urban development in the region.

For the past fourteen years, approximately one-fifth of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Participating Police Force has comprised police from thirteen Pacific Island countries. As RAMSI was drawing to a close, it was timely to assess the impact of their involvement on police and policing in the region.