Economy

Are the South-Pacific Islands becoming a new center of global strategic competition? In recent years, it appears as though the traditional power balance in the South Pacific is shifting. Australia, the region’s historical leader, has entered an era of complicated relations with its Pacific neighbours, whilst China’s regional presence and influence is on the rise. Although strategic competition in the region is still understudied, even by states themselves, it is likely that strategic competition in the South Pacific will emerge as a globally significant issue in coming years.