Publication

This paper focuses on the geopolitical changes in Oceania, a region that includes Australia, New Zealand and the 15 island countries of the South Pacific. While the region frequently finds itself in the political and journalistic background, the author suggests that it nevertheless remains of great strategic, political and economic importance to countries like the US and other regional players. Oceania has historically been a microcosm of the balance of power in the larger Pacific region. Like their South East Asian counterparts, countries in the South Pacific are also caught up in the rivalry between the various powers. At the same time, the Pacific island countries are facing unprecedented challenges from the effects of climate change and exploitation of natural resources by outside powers.