Pacific Partners Initiative

The CSIS Pacific Partners Initiative is a hub for United States policy focusing on Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Island Countries

The Pacific Partners Initiative is the first Washington-based policy & think tank forum dedicated to providing a sustained high-level focus on the Pacific Islands community. The Initiative encompasses dedicated programs, research-based studies and publications, and active online outreach.

The Pacific Partners Initiative is led by Dr. Charles Edel, Australia Chair and Senior Adviser, Christopher B. Johnstone, Senior Adviser and Japan Chair, and Gregory Poling, Senior Fellow and Director of the Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

The Pacific Partners Initiative was launched in July 2011 and reflects CSIS’ focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific to the United States. The Initiative is the first Washington-based resource of this nature, and is a valuable tool in both examining and strengthening the growing relationships between the United States and the Pacific Islands community.

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Latest Work

Photo: TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP via Getty Images

Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Pacific

Despite significant strategic chess moves in the Pacific in 2024, this critical region remains highly contested. It is imperative for the new U.S. administration to craft an effective and considered approach to U.S.-Pacific relations into 2025.

Commentary by Kathryn Paik — January 27, 2025

Experts

Gregory B. Poling

Gregory B. Poling

Director and Senior Fellow, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
Photo: CSIS

Kathryn Paik

Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Australia Chair

All Pacific Partners Initiative Content

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Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Pacific

Despite significant strategic chess moves in the Pacific in 2024, this critical region remains highly contested. It is imperative for the new U.S. administration to craft an effective and considered approach to U.S.-Pacific relations into 2025.

Commentary by Kathryn Paik — January 27, 2025

Looking Back: A Review of the Pacific in 2024

While there is strong bipartisan support for a robust U.S. presence in the Pacific, the increasingly competitive global landscape necessitates a continuous reassessment and refinement of strategic approach.

Commentary by Kathryn Paik — January 15, 2025

The Geopolitical Promise of New Zealand’s Conservative Swing

Last October, New Zealand elected its most conservative government in decades and the country's first-ever three-party coalition. This CQ discusses the new government's foreign policy and implications for U.S.-New Zealand relations.

Critical Questions by Kathryn Paik — January 16, 2024

Global Implications of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting

Leaders from 18 Pacific countries and territories convened at the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting last week. This CQ discusses main outcomes of the meeting, Australia's role in the forum, implications for U.S. policymakers, and challenges ahead for the PIF.

Critical Questions by Kathryn Paik — November 21, 2023

A New Era in Fijian Politics

With the election of Sitiveni Rabuka as prime minister, Fiji is now navigating a new chapter in its complex, and often rancorous, political history. 

Commentary by Patricia O’Brien — February 7, 2023

White House Unveils Pacific Islands Strategy at Historic Summit

CSIS experts explore the implications of the U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit in Washington, D.C. and the White House's new Pacific Partnership Strategy.

Critical Questions by Charles Edel, Christopher B. Johnstone, and Gregory B. Poling — September 30, 2022