Meet the EPA’s new regional administrator in charge of California (and the rest of the Pacific Southwest)
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In an era marked by pressing environmental challenges, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has appointed a new regional administrator poised to tackle the unique environmental issues facing California and the broader Pacific Southwest. As the state grapples with climate change’s impacts, air quality concerns, water scarcity, and habitat preservation,…
Former US Admiral Calls Taiwan a Key Component of US Strategy in Indo-Pacific
Richard Sanders In a recent address at the National Review Institute’s Ideas Summit in Washington, retired Admiral Phillip Davidson, former commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized Taiwan’s vital role in US economic and security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. He described Taiwan as a “cornerstone” of American influence and urged for enhanced defensive measures…
Celebrating the Life and Adventures of Maurice Benyovszky: A Slovak Hero of the East
Jake Sanders, Editor March 21, 2025 In a modest corner of Slovakia, the legacy of Maurice Benyovszky (1746-1786), an adventurous nobleman, military leader, and explorer, continues to inspire generations. This year marks significant milestones in recognizing his extraordinary life, particularly his contributions during his adventures in Asia, which blend history with an unwavering spirit of…
Foreign State-Sponsored Disinformation in the Pacific Islands
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Disinformation stories are used by foreign states in an attempt to influence opinions and framing of foreign policy in the Pacific. Learning from recent experiences in the Pacific Islands may help identify shifts in the online environment that will have domestic and international ramifications. Disinformation has been a prominent topic…
Trump holds ‘very good’ call with Zelensky
Francis Tuschek US President Donald Trump on Wednesday held what he described as a “very good” phone call with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky. The conversation primarily revolved around his 2.5 hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, Trump revealed in a brief statement on his Truth social media platform. “Much of the discussion was based…
Musk says there’s a conspiracy to kill him
Richard Sanders Elon Musk has alleged that left-wing activists are conspiring to kill him and damage Tesla in order to halt his efforts to reduce US federal waste and corruption. A series of violent attacks have recently targeted Tesla cars and dealerships using vandalism and arson. The tech mogul currently serves as an adviser to…
Over $2 billion lifeline for Pacific banks amid rising challenges
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor ANZ bank.Since 2020, several Pacific island nations have been struggling with the fallout from Western banks, cutting long-term relationships and closing operations. Big banks operating in the Pacific will receive a decade-long loan guarantee of more than AU$2 billion (NZ$2.19b) to maintain their operations and avoid relying on China. The…
New Zealand’s Top Spy Sounds the Alarm Over China’s Influence in the Pacific Amid Rising Pressure from Trump on Five Eyes Agreement
新西兰首席间谍对中国在太平洋影响力的警告，特朗普向“五眼”协议施加压力 Dave Chamberlain, Wellington In a recent address to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs in Wellington, Security Intelligence Service Director-General Andrew Hampton highlighted the escalating security risks posed by China’s expanding presence in the Pacific. His comments come at a time when the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance—comprising New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the U.K.,…
Pacific atoll water security requires new approach, say researchers
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor As climate change intensifies and freshwater resources become scarcer, researchers are raising alarms about the urgent need for innovative strategies to ensure water security in Pacific atolls. These small island nations are particularly vulnerable due to their limited landmass, reliance on rainwater collection, and susceptibility to sea-level rise, making traditional…
New Zealand’s Record of Colonial Oppression of the Cook Islands
by Marrtin Haffner Associate Editor The Cook Islands, an archipelago located in the South Pacific, boasts stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and ancient traditions. However, their history is marked by a long struggle against colonial oppression, particularly during New Zealand’s administration in the early to mid-20th century. This article explores the complex relationship between New…
