Statecraftiness - Investigating Influence in the Pacific Gordon Peake and CulturalPulse

This episode takes us on a journey through the geopolitics of the North Pacific, long a site of contestation between the major powers.

We explore the geopolitically charged landscapes of the North Pacific and the impacts of the U.S. military presence on Islands such as Saipan, Guam, and Okinawa in Japan.

Through insightful discussions with experts from these regions, they help us shed light on statecraft through the analysis of U.S. foreign policy, security issues, and personal experiences.

How will these islands and their peoples navigate the ever-changing landscape of global geopolitics?

This episode features:

- Gordon Peake - Host- Camilla Pohle - Senior Program Specialist, Pacific Islands at United States Institute of Peace - Brian Harding - Senior Expert, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands at United States Institute of Peace - Kenneth Kuper - Research Professor of Geopolitics and International Relations at the University of Guam and Director of the Pacific Center for Island Security- Tatsuki Kohatsu - PhD Candidate at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa- Narushige Michishita - Professor of International Security Affairs at National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
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In the latest episode, we discuss the pressing issue of climate change, exploring the critical role in statecraft and the unique challenges faced by the Pacific.

How does the Pacific balance immediate infrastructure needs with the long-term threat of climate change in their diplomacy with major powers?

With the global and existential threat of climate change, we feature insights from key figures, experts and activists highlighting the challenges and realities of climate diplomacy, negotiations, and sustainable development solutions in the Pacific.

Through these diverse perspectives, the episode sheds light on the complexities of climate diplomacy in the Pacific and the urgent need for global action to address climate change.

This episode features:

- Gordon Peake - Host

- Satyendra Prasad - Climate Lead at Abt Associates 

- Oliver Nobetau - Pacific Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute

- Richard Gorkrun - Executive Director at Tuvalu Climate Action Network 

- Romitesh Kant - PhD Candidate at Australian National University
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In this episode, we shift our focus from state influence to the intriguing process of independence movements in the Pacific. 

We delve into the complexities of law and politics, particularly in Bougainville and West Papua, where experts and activists shed light on their independence efforts. 

We discover how these regions navigate the intricate paths to independence, often balancing international appeal and support from other nations. 

How do we make independence attractive to the world when recognition is driven by a whole host of factors, including the interests of existing states, and there’s no such thing as a ‘free lunch’?

This episode features:

- Gordon Peake - Host

- Anthony Regan - Professor and Constitutional Lawyer at Australian National University 

- James Tanis - President of Office of the Bougainville and Former President of Bougainville Autonomous Government  

- Gezim Visoka - Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dublin City University 

- Ronny Kareni - Free West Papuan Activist, Trained Diplomat, and Vocational Specialist  
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At the end of our soft power journey, we examine two key Australian government documents - the Defense Strategic Review and the New International Development Policy.

How do the words we choose in government documents shape our understanding and influence our actions?

Professor Joanne Wallis sheds light on how the term 'statecraft' is used in these documents and how it has evolved over time. We also hear from lead authors and expert analysts, exploring their views on how these documents are perceived and their impact in the Pacific region.

This episode features:

- Joanne Wallis - Professor of International Security at University of Adelaide and Executive Producer of Statecraftiness

- Gordon Peake - Host

- Peter Dean - Director of Foreign Policy and Defence at United States Studies Centre

- William Waqavakatoga - Pacific Research Fellow at University of Adelaide

- Heather Murphy - Head of Analysis and Engagement at Development Intelligence Lab

- Henry Ivarature - Deputy Director of Strategic Engagement at Australia Pacific Security College

- Maureen Penjueli - Coordinator at Pacific Network on Globalisation

- Dame Meg Taylor - Former Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum 
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This episode walks through the nuanced responses of countries in the Pacific region and Timor-Leste, exploring the perspectives of key figures who wielded substantial influence in government and healthcare during the COVID-19 era.

This narrative unfolds by examining the dynamics that shaped each nation's approach to the Pandemic, such as the subtle pressures and preparations that influenced their responses. 

How did these factors play a role in determining the strategies adopted by different nations, and what lessons can we draw from their experiences?

We discuss the importance of working together and having pre-existing relationships in determining the efficacy of these responses.

This episode features:

- Gordon Peake - Host

- Jack Niedenthal - Former Secretary of Health for Marshall Islands

- Josh Francis - Principal Research Fellow and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at Menzies School of Health Research

- Fidelis Magalhaes - Former Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of East Timor

- Stephanie Williams - Australia’s Former Ambassador for Regional Health Security at Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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The Pacific Food Island Revolution (PIFR) continues to be televised to record numbers of people in the Pacific Islands. But do Australia and New Zealand harvest the soft power benefits of the show? And to what extent has PIFR influenced healthier eating in the region? In this episode we explore the soft power of television through the program often referred to as the MasterChef of the Pacific.

 

Henrietta McNeill, a key contributor to Professor Joanne Wallis's Statecraftiness project, suggests a shift from insecurity-inducing TV to content that truly feeds and nourishes the soul.

 

Mele Mauala guides us through traditional Samoan cuisine such as seafood, root crops, and fruits while discussing the transition of Western foods, like wheat, into mainstream diets. 

 

Enid Westerlund takes us on an heart-racing tour of Samoan restaurants

 

Our own Mark Panayiotis Notaras shares his experience of partnering with the show through his work as Co-Founder of the Timor-Leste Food Lab in a collaborative dinner for the then Timor-Leste Prime Minister.

 

We learn how the Pacific Food Island Revolution has impacted behaviour and food consumption patterns, by exploring diverse perspectives from industry insiders.

 

This episode features:

 

- Gordon Peake - Host

- Henrietta McNeill - Pacific Security Researcher at Australian National University

- Mele Mauala - Country Programme Coordinator at Samoa Women's Association of Growers #SWAG

- Enid Westerlund - Business Consultant and Ambassador Oceania International Students House UK

- Mark Panayiotis Notaras - Executive Producer of Statecraftiness, General Manager at CulturalPulse, and Co-Founder of the Timor-Leste Food Lab and Agora Food Studio 

- Barney Higgins - Voicing the words of Robert Louis Stevenson 
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