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…
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…
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…
by Maertin Haffner Associate Editor The chief of the Pacific Islands Forum has stressed the importance of its members building relations with various countries, saying, “we don’t want to take sides.” The forum is a group of countries and territories in the Pacific. Its Secretary General Baron Waqa made the comments during an interview with…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, a hidden gem of mesmerizing beauty and historical significance lies untouched by colonial influence for millennia. The island of Niue, renowned for its stunning natural environment and rich cultural heritage, has the remarkable distinction of not having been owned by another country for…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a significant diplomatic development, Japan has announced plans to establish a cooperative framework with Pacific Island nations, marking a crucial step in enhancing regional collaboration on climate change and various pressing issues facing the Pacific. This initiative reflects Japan’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with its Pacific neighbors in…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor trategic engagement between the nations of the Pacific and their partners has now well and truly switched to overt security transactionalism, from soft to hard diplomacy. The explicit position emanating from the United States under the Trump administration reflects what has already been happening in the Pacific, particularly with the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Trump administration’s decision to eliminate more than 90 percent of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding means “nothing’s safe right now,” a regional political expert says. President Donald Trump’s government has said it is slashing around US$60 billion in overall US development and humanitarian assistance around the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor As the geopolitical landscape in the Pacific region evolves, Australia is grappling with the ramifications of recent cuts to U.S. foreign aid that are expected to significantly impact several nations within its sphere of influence. The reductions, which reflect a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities, have prompted urgent discussions…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a rare meteorological phenomenon, the South Pacific is currently witnessing the simultaneous development of three tropical cyclones, a situation that has alarmed meteorologists and residents alike. The cyclones—named Tino, Ulysses, and Vicky—are not only impacting local weather patterns but also pose significant threats to several island nations and coastal…