The Pacific “step-up”: will it work and what happens if not?

Katerina Teaiwa discusses how Australia’s climate hypocrisy undermines its Pacific diplomacy.

Hugh White discusses the flaw in Scott Morrison’s Pacific “step-up”.

The sixth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines Australia’s struggle to retain influence among its Pacific island neighbours as foreign powers play a greater role and as small nations brace for the impacts of climate change.

These interviews were filmed at a panel presented by AFA and the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs (ANU).

Panellists: 
Hugh White is a professor of strategic studies at the Australian National University and a former deputy secretary in the defence department.
Katerina Teaiwa is an associate professor in the School of Culture, History and Language at the Australian National University.
Dr Graeme Smith is a fellow in the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University.
Mary-Louise O’Callaghan (moderator) is a former South Pacific correspondent.