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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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

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Gregory B. Poling

Gregory B. Poling

Senior Fellow and Director, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative

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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

Building a Blue Pacific Agenda for the Twenty-First Century

The CSIS Pacific Partners Initiative is pleased to host a discussion on recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region and U.S. relations with Pacific Islands countries.

Event by Charles Edel , Kurt Campbell , Ambassador Satyendra Prasad , Ambassador Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa’olelei Luteru , Ambassador Gerald M. Zackios , and Monica P. Medina — June 23, 2022

The Pacific Islands Are a Covid-19 Priority

The Pacific Islands have so far been spared large-scale Covid-19 outbreaks, but the region is being battered by the downstream effects of the pandemic. Island nations are looking to their traditional partners for assistance.

Commentary by Gregory B. Poling and Andreyka Natalegawa — September 15, 2020

How Does the ‘Pacific’ Fit into the “Indo-Pacific?”

Join the CSIS Southeast Asia Program and the CSIS Pacific Partners Initiative as we assess recent developments in the Pacific, and what they mean for geopolitics and U.S. strategy in the region.

Event by Michael J. Green , Jonathan Pryke , Ambassador Naivakarurubalavu Solo Mara , Dr. Amy Searight , and Alex Gray — May 15, 2019

Good Message, Wrong Messenger

Vice President Pence’s trip to Asia lays bare competing visions for Southeast Asia and Pacific, but President Trump’s absence is damaging, as Amy Searight and Brian Harding from the CSIS Southeast Asia Program.

Commentary by Brian Harding and Amy Searight — December 17, 2018

A Conversation on Chinese Influence in Australia and Beyond

The CSIS Southeast Asia Program is pleased to have presented a Conversation on Chinese Influence in Australia and Beyond, featuring Clive Hamilton, author of ​Silent Invasion: China's Influence in Australia. ​

Event by Clive Hamilton , Bonnie S. Glaser , and Amy Searight — October 18, 2018