Global Outlook

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sought to strengthen security ties with Pacific island nations and counter China’s growing influence during a trip to the region this week. If he walks away with one lesson, it’s that Australia’s climate policy remains a significant sticking point.

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in the United States on 10 September 2025 signals a renewed threat to democratic stability in the United States and beyond.

The region’s evolving discussions about a proposed ‘Ocean of Peace’ should not dilute or distract from existing commitments under the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2018 "Boe Declaration on Regional Security".

The ‘President of Peace’, as the White House has called him, has once again signed one of his many executive orders. With this latest document, he has officially established the Department of War.

The Pacific island nations united front is now under strain as some Pacific nations pursue a controversial new industry – deep-sea mining.

As regional dialogue about an ‘Ocean of Peace’ concept advances, a dedicated Pacific Peace Index might provide additional form to an evolving political dialogue amongst Pacific Islands Forum member states