Defence Diplomacy in the Pacific

Explore defence diplomacy and engagement in the Pacific

Welcome to the "Rules of Engagement: Defence Diplomacy in the Pacific Islands Region" project which is led by Adjunct Associate Professor Tess Newton Cain of the Griffith Asia Institute and Associate Professor Anna Powles of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University. Here you will find the outputs of the project and other select resources that are related to defence diplomacy in the region.

The project has three objectives:

To collect and collate data that tracks the volume and types of defence diplomacy engagement with our five target countries (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu) over a designated period (2018-2023)
To understand and analyse the impact of this form of diplomacy on perceptions of security in the target countries
To support a community of practice in the Pacific focused on security studies.

The "Rules of Engagement: Defence Diplomacy in the Pacific islands region" research project is supported by the United States Institute of Peace and runs from 2023-2024.

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Project launch

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Why the Pacific Islands is seeing a rise in ‘defence diplomacy’

Key takeaways

New data shows that defence engagement by China, the US, Australia and others has surged since 2018.
Strategic competition has been a key driver of the rise of defence diplomacy in the Pacific.
There is a lack of data on how recipient countries view defence diplomacy and whether it meets their security needs.

Find out more

Media items

News article	Description	Source	Date
Defence Diplomacy in the Pacific is on the rise: research	New research shows defence diplomacy is on the rise. Defence diplomacy is the use of military relationships to shape foreign policy.	The Wire	21/5/24

Tracker

The Pacific Defence Diplomacy Tracker collates data from five Pacific island countries (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu) over a five year period 2018-2023). The tracker is fully searchable and can show you how many defence diplomacy activities there have been in a particular country or year. There are twelve identified categories of defence diplomacy used in the tracker to give added depth to the information it presents.

Search the database

Interactive map

The Pacific Defence Diplomacy Map is an interactive visualisation of the data collated in the Pacific Defence Diplomacy Tracker. Travel across the region to see where defence diplomacy activities are taking place and use the interactive features to learn more about when engagements occurred, which external partner was involved and what category the activity falls into.

Cite this resource as: Newton Cain, T., Powles, A. & Doyle, A., 2023, Pacific Defence Diplomacy Interactive Map 2018-2023, supported by the United States Institute of Peace, https://www.defencediplomacytracker.com/.

Explore the interactive map

Multi-country overview

The multi-country overview is a series of charts drawn from the Defence Diplomacy Tracker that provide comparisons of various aspects of defence engagement across the five selected countries from 2018 to 2023.

Cite this resource as: Powles, A., Newton Cain, T. & Khadka, A., 2023, Multi-Country Overview 2018-2023, supported by the United States Institute of Peace, https://www.griffith.edu.au/asia-institute/pacific-hub/defence-diplomacy-in-the-pacific.

Click on the red bar below to explore the overview online or download a PDF version.

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Explore the multi-country overview

1. Percentage share of defence diplomacy engagements across five selected countries between 2018-2023

This pie chart illustrates the percentage share of units of defence diplomacy engagement received by the five Pacific island nations over a five-year period from 2018 to 2023. Papua New Guinea, has the most significant percentage share at 34 per cent (193 engagements), followed by Fiji at 28 per cent (159 engagements). In contrast, the other three countries—Tonga, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands—participated in fewer engagements, collectively receiving between 11 per cent and 16 per cent of the total engagements. This adds a layer of complexity and variety to the region's defence diplomacy landscape.

2. Units of engagement between 2018-2023 (sending countries)

The bar graph illustrates that between 2018 and2023 Australia significantly outpaced other nations in defence diplomacy activities, initiating 296 engagement units, nearly double the combined efforts of the United States (72), New Zealand (66), and China (58). France (29) and the UK (24) contributed moderately, while Japan (15), Indonesia (3), and other countries* (combined total of 18) had lower levels of engagement, reflecting varied degrees of partner country commitment to cooperation with Pacific island nations in defence diplomacy.

*Canada, Fiji, India, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Tonga

2. Units of engagement between 2018-2023 (sending countries)

3. Units of engagement (2018-2023)

3.Units-of-engagement-(2018-2023)

The line graph depicts the growth in defence diplomatic engagements over the five-year period, starting at 37 in 2018 and soaring to 277 by 2023. A notable spike from 2022 to 2023 indicates a substantial surge in activity within that period. This trend underscores the significant increase in defence diplomatic efforts over the observed period, highlighting the progress and development in this area.

4. Defence diplomacy by areas of engagement across five countries (2018-2023)

The bar graph displays engagement categories across five Pacific nations from 2018 to 2023, measured by numerical density. Visit diplomacy leads with 79 units, followed closely by training and HADR with 75 and 72 units, respectively. Military exercises and defence infrastructure also show substantial engagement, with 62 and 69 units, respectively. Conversely, arms control and cultural diplomacy register the lowest engagement levels, with 4 and 6 units, respectively.

4.Defence-diplomacy-by-areas-of-engagement--across-five-countries--(2018-2023)

5. Units of engagement by area across five countries between 2018-2023

The bar graph illustrates the engagement units of five Pacific Island nations across twelve specific areas. Papua New Guinea has the highest engagement units, particularly in training (37) and defence infrastructure (36). Following closely, Fiji demonstrates an exceptionally high volume of engagements in visit diplomacy (38) and training (28). In contrast, the other three countries show lower engagement levels across most areas. Tonga and Vanuatu lead in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) with 21 and 18 engagement units, respectively. Solomon Islands has the highest engagement in military-police activities (18).

6. Units of engagement across five countries by area between 2018-2023

The bar graph illustrates various engagement categories across Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu between 2018 and 2023. Notably, the category that has the highest level of engagement in Papua New Guinea is defence infrastructure (36), while Fiji has the most engagements in visit diplomacy (38). Training is an area of significant engagement in Papua New Guinea (37), and HADR is prominent in Fiji (21) and Tonga (21). Military-Police (MIL-POL) engagement is notably high in Solomon Islands(18).

7. Units of engagement by area on yearly basis (2018-2023)

The bar graph presents the engagement areas from 2018 to 2023. Notably, there has been a substantial increase in engagement units across several categories in that time period. Defence infrastructure experiences significant growth, escalating from 3 in 2018 to 28 in 2023. HADR also shows notable growth, rising from 4 engagements in 2018 to 31 in 2023. Training sees a remarkable surge, jumping from 5 engagements in 2019 to 46 in 2023. Similarly, visit diplomacy experienced a significant increase, escalating from 8 engagements in 2018 to 48 in 2023.

Defence Diplomacy in the Pacific Tracker Database

Citation

Cite this resource as: Newton Cain, T., Powles, A. & Winn, T., 2023, Pacific Defence Diplomacy Tracker 2018-2023, supported by the United States Institute of Peace, https://www.griffith.edu.au/asia-institute/pacific-hub/defence-diplomacy-in-the-pacific.

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Researcher bios

	Associate Professor Tess Newton Cain \| Project Co-Lead Tess Newton Cain is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Vanuatu. She has a degree in Law and a PhD in Law/Criminology, both from the University of Wales (Cardiff). From January 1997 to August 2001 she was a Lecturer in Law at the University of the South Pacific at Emalus Campus in Vanuatu. For more than 25 years she has worked in the Pacific islands region as an educator, adviser, researcher and journalist. She has extensive contacts in government, business, civil society, academia and the media. Her clients include the Office of the President of Vanuatu, national governments, regional organisations (including the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat), the World Bank, the United Nations, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As Project Lead at the Griffith Pacific Hub, Tess focused on research and engagement to foster nuanced debate and commentary centred on Pacific perspectives from a range of sectors.
	Associate Professor Anne Powles \| Project Co-Lead Anna Powles is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies. Her research focusses on (1) the geopolitics, security and conflict in the Pacific Islands region; specifically, how state and non-state actors are shaping regional security, strategic competition and the intersection of geopolitics and local security dynamics; and (2) New Zealand foreign and defence policy in the Pacific.
	Teddy Winn \| Researcher Teddy Winn is a consultant with the Department of Education, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and researcher on the Defence Diplomacy in the Pacific project.
	Ozayr Akbar \| Research Associate Ozayr Akbar is a research student at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji, pursuing an MA in Politics and International Affairs. As an educator, artist, and human rights defender, Ozayr advocates for the liberation of occupied states, climate justice, equality, and diverse representation.
	Arthur Doyle \| Research Associate Arthur Doyle is a student at Griffith University completing his Honours research in Aid and Development Localisation in the Pacifica recipient of a New Colombo Plan scholarship facilitating his research in Fiji and Solomon Islands.
	Jennifer Kausei \| Research Associate Jennifer Kausei, a distinguished leader with 15+ years of experience in management, is recognised for her dedication to gender empowerment, advocacy for inclusion and combating violence against women and girls. She drives initiatives promoting gender equality, inclusion and women's humanitarian protection , climate change and disaster response endeavours.
	Abiral Khadka \| Project Intern Abiral Khadka is a final-year student from Nepal pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in government and international relations from Griffith University, Australia. His interests include international relations, sustainable development, governance and diplomacy. Abiral is dedicated to pursuing a career as a diplomat who strives to foster good governance and uphold democratic principles. As a Project Intern at the Griffith Asia Institute, he has played an instrumental role in developing the defence diplomacy tracker. This invaluable experience has allowed him to learn, unlearn and relearn, further solidifying his commitment to effecting meaningful change in global governance.

Contact details

Email: gai@griffith.edu.au

Address: Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University; Room 1.30, Macrossan Building N16; 170 Kessels Road; Nathan QLD 4111

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	Associate Professor Tess Newton Cain \| Project Co-Lead Tess Newton Cain is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Vanuatu. She has a degree in Law and a PhD in Law/Criminology, both from the University of Wales (Cardiff). From January 1997 to August 2001 she was a Lecturer in Law at the University of the South Pacific at Emalus Campus in Vanuatu. For more than 25 years she has worked in the Pacific islands region as an educator, adviser, researcher and journalist. She has extensive contacts in government, business, civil society, academia and the media. Her clients include the Office of the President of Vanuatu, national governments, regional organisations (including the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat), the World Bank, the United Nations, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As Project Lead at the Griffith Pacific Hub, Tess focused on research and engagement to foster nuanced debate and commentary centred on Pacific perspectives from a range of sectors.
	Associate Professor Anne Powles \| Project Co-Lead Anna Powles is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies. Her research focusses on (1) the geopolitics, security and conflict in the Pacific Islands region; specifically, how state and non-state actors are shaping regional security, strategic competition and the intersection of geopolitics and local security dynamics; and (2) New Zealand foreign and defence policy in the Pacific.
	Teddy Winn \| Researcher Teddy Winn is a consultant with the Department of Education, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and researcher on the Defence Diplomacy in the Pacific project.
	Ozayr Akbar \| Research Associate Ozayr Akbar is a research student at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji, pursuing an MA in Politics and International Affairs. As an educator, artist, and human rights defender, Ozayr advocates for the liberation of occupied states, climate justice, equality, and diverse representation.
	Arthur Doyle \| Research Associate Arthur Doyle is a student at Griffith University completing his Honours research in Aid and Development Localisation in the Pacifica recipient of a New Colombo Plan scholarship facilitating his research in Fiji and Solomon Islands.
	Jennifer Kausei \| Research Associate Jennifer Kausei, a distinguished leader with 15+ years of experience in management, is recognised for her dedication to gender empowerment, advocacy for inclusion and combating violence against women and girls. She drives initiatives promoting gender equality, inclusion and women's humanitarian protection , climate change and disaster response endeavours.
	Abiral Khadka \| Project Intern Abiral Khadka is a final-year student from Nepal pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in government and international relations from Griffith University, Australia. His interests include international relations, sustainable development, governance and diplomacy. Abiral is dedicated to pursuing a career as a diplomat who strives to foster good governance and uphold democratic principles. As a Project Intern at the Griffith Asia Institute, he has played an instrumental role in developing the defence diplomacy tracker. This invaluable experience has allowed him to learn, unlearn and relearn, further solidifying his commitment to effecting meaningful change in global governance.