{"id":2810,"date":"2012-12-06T13:16:51","date_gmt":"2012-12-06T03:16:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/?p=2810"},"modified":"2012-12-07T08:52:14","modified_gmt":"2012-12-06T22:52:14","slug":"pacific-subregionalism-where-to-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/pacific-subregionalism-where-to-next\/","title":{"rendered":"Pacific (sub)regionalism \u2013 where to next?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Richard Herr\u2019s recent item<\/a> on intra-regional relationships in the Pacific is a timely contribution to this discussion.<\/p>\n

The past, present and future of regionalism and sub-regionalism in this part of the world are topics of endless fascination but they have significant political (including geopolitical) and economic implications as well. It\u2019s an environment that\u2019s both fluid and fast changing at numerous levels. At the beginning of the year, I predicted<\/a> this would be an issue of significance during 2012 and so it has proved. This isn\u2019t particularly surprising and, for what it\u2019s worth, I predict it is going to be a \u2018hot topic\u2019 next year as well.<\/p>\n

Here I\u2019d like to briefly pick up on a couple of points Richard made in his piece. I think there is more to add about the Fiji situation, about sub-regionalism more generally and about the future role of the Pacific Islands Forum.<\/p>\n

First, I think it\u2019s worth mentioning that, while the re-entry of Fiji into the PACP \u2018family\u2019 was indeed significant, it was one in a series of steps that have been ongoing for a considerable period\u2014in fact, since Fiji was suspended from the Forum. It\u2019s necessary to remember that while Fiji might be coming in from the cold, it remains suspended from both the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth. However, what\u2019s particularly fascinating here is the way Fiji has manoeuvred and positioned itself in recent years, regionally and internationally. If and when Fiji\u2019s suspension from the Forum is lifted, it\u2019s plausible that its significance will be more symbolic than meaningful, either politically or economically. But if Fiji does make a reappearance at the Forum, it will be from a position of political strength, having not only cemented but enhanced relationships<\/a> within the region and developed new ones<\/a> in a whole range of places. In addition, Fiji\u2019s accession to the chair of the G77<\/a> grouping earlier this year provides one more plank in a carefully constructed raft of geopolitical and diplomatic strength, which will not be conceded lightly, if at all.<\/p>\n

This leads us to the issue of sub-regionalism. The general landscape of the differing sub-regional groupings is well summarised here<\/a>. In terms of geographical and political significance for Australia, the key sub-regional group to watch now is the Melanesian Spearhead Group (PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and the FLNKS of New Caledonia<\/a>). Some might argue that this is the most dynamic and active of the three sub-regional groupings (the other two are the Polynesian Leaders\u2019 Group and the Micronesia Chief Executives\u2019 Summit). If so, it\u2019s not really surprising, as it\u2019s the longest established (it will celebrate its 25th birthday in 2013). And, as Richard Herr notes, it\u2019s the most populous and economically active, with particular focus on the resources boom in PNG and, to a lesser extent, Solomon Islands. It\u2019s also evident that the Melanesian countries are increasingly exercising their political clout in the wider region, as seen in this most recent move to establish the PACP secretariat<\/a> in Port Moresby. With a director general supplied by PNG and a deputy director general provided by Solomon Islands, there\u2019s a very definite Melanesian stamp on this initiative.<\/p>\n

From an Australian perspective, an increased amount of political and diplomatic assertiveness on the part of its nearest neighbours is something to be welcomed. However, concerns continue to be expressed that Canberra\u2019s approach in this space is one that requires adjustments<\/a> in some key areas. This needs to become more of a priority than it currently appears to be, not least because there are issues forthcoming that have the potential to cause ripples in the Coral Sea. An example that springs to mind, which has already been considered here<\/a> and here<\/a>, is that of decolonisation in the region, especially regarding New Caledonia and West Papua.<\/p>\n

And finally, what of the Pacific Islands Forum? Is Richard Herr accurate in describing it as verging on a \u2018crisis of legitimacy\u2019? It isn\u2019t surprising to see that the members\u2019 expectations of the Forum have changed and developed in the forty years since it was created\u2014it would be a matter of concern if they hadn\u2019t. There have certainly been mutterings around the region over a number of years about the relevance of the Forum and the undue influence that Australia and New Zealand are perceived to have had in that space\u2014although as some have noted, it\u2019s Australia and New Zealand who pay the bills. I\u2019d suggest that the Leaders\u2019 meeting in Rarotonga this year was illustrative of the fact that the annual event is useful as just that\u2014a high-end gathering that acts as something of a magnet for big names such as Hillary Clinton<\/a> and Michelle Bachelet<\/a>. But in terms of where the leaders in our region are focusing their energies in order to get things done, it\u2019s self evident that it is in other groupings and forums that the key political and economic decisions are being made, including forging, developing and enhancing inter, intra and extra regional relationships.<\/p>\n

Tess Newton Cain specialises in developing knowledge connections in the South Pacific region. She is a research associate of the Development Policy Centre<\/a> and has also worked with the Pacific Institute of Public Policy<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Richard Herr\u2019s recent item on intra-regional relationships in the Pacific is a timely contribution to this discussion. 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