Pacific Partners

February 22, 2011

The United States and New Zealand are natural “Pacific Partners.” The two countries share fundamental values and overwhelming common interests. Their views align on appropriate norms and modalities for ensuring the Asia-Pacific region can prosper in a positive and peaceful environment. It is timely for a good relationship to be elevated to another level.

This report by the CSIS Southeast Asia Program in Washington, D.C., in partnership with the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs in Wellington, identifies five essential elements for this new partnership: political and security cooperation; trade and investment; science and technology cooperation; education and sociocultural ties; and transnational issues (nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation; climate change; and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief). The authors, backed by research teams and high-level advisory boards in both countries, present specific recommendations on each subject for policymakers and leaders in the private sector and civil society. The steps contemplated represent meaningful and measurable actions that can help transform this important bilateral relationship.