Transcript A New Pacific Diplomacy?

A PARADIGM SHIFT IN PACIFIC DIPLOMACY
‘I believe the Pacific is now entering a new
phase – a new paradigm shift where the
Pacific needs to chart its own course and
lead global thinking in crucial areas such
as climate change, ocean governance
and sustainable development.’
We can and must continue to work diligently
together to influence world opinion on
these issues because they matter to us.
President Anote Tong at launch of Pacific
International Relations Forum, 9 Oct 2012
THE ARGUMENT
1. That there is a fundamental shift in Pacific diplomacy- as
fundamental as that which occurred following the Fiji- led
‘rebellion’ in the SPC in the late 1960s
1. That the explanation for the current paradigm shift is to be found
in a much broader set of factors than Fiji’s diplomatic initiatives
since its suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum in 2009.
2. The ‘new’ diplomacy therefore has implications beyond any
future lifting of that suspension.
3. The paradigm shift has major implications for Australia’s role (or
should have).
‘NEW PACIFIC DIPLOMACY’ PARADIGM
Commitment to:
• Pacific is. control of regional agenda and arenas
• Collective diplomacy in relation to global challenges
• Global diplomatic leadership in key areas
• Effective Pacific Is. organisation at global level
• Effective regional–global diplomatic connection/mandate
• Inclusivity (civil society, private sector, states)
• Effective participation in middle level ‘southern’ diplomatic
organisations AOSIS, ACP, G77
EXPRESSED IN1. Broader leadership call for a new collective diplomacy
2. Pacific support (with some notable exceptions) for new diplomatic
institutional initiatives (not just Fiji)
3. Level of frustration with Forum’s lack of action and inability to act
in collective diplomacy on key issues
4. Degree to which Pacific diplomacy is now conducted outside the
Forum and the success of the new initiatives in gaining recognition
SIGNIFICANCE IN SUMMARY
There is a ‘new pacific diplomacy’ - a fundamental change in ideas,
institutions and values.
A new form of regional diplomatic culture that is being promoted based
on self determination and the reclaiming of a space for a ‘Pacific
voice’.
As fundamental as the shift that occurred after the Ratu Mara- led
rebellion in the SPC which culminated in the creation of the Pacific
Islands Forum.
It has much of the same rhetoric and the idea of creating a new
institutional framework when frustrated by the structural
impediments of the old.
WHY THE PARADIGM SHIFT?
• Fiji’s suspension from the Forum
• Pacific leadership and political stability
• Changing geopolitics
• Global pressures (climate change)
• Australia and NZ dominance in the Pacific Islands Forum
THE GLOBAL PRESSURES ON LEADERS TO ACT
we have no choice but to
engage even more
aggressively internationally
because the key to our
survival will depend on
whether international
action is taken on climate
change or not.
President Anote Tong,
October 2012
THE AUSTRALIAN PROBLEM
From invited guest at the table to head of the table.
Perceptions/history
Dominating agendas- war on terror, economic integration
and harmonisation
Dominating form of regionalism- regional integration at
expense of joint diplomacy
AUSTRALIAN PROBLEM
Conflict of interest problem - climate change, trade
Participation in southern organisations
Psychological- ownership of agenda
AUSTRALIA’S POLICY RESPONSE: THE FIJI LENS
The Aberration thesis:
Significant though it is, the new diplomatic initiatives are all
explained by Fiji’s suspension from the main diplomatic
system –the PIF.
We can expect a return to the Forum- focused diplomatic
system and regional diplomatic culture after the suspension
is lifted and Fiji re-enters the Forum.
More money to the PIF; ignore other initiatives
A MORE SENSIBLE ROLE FOR AUSTRALIA?
1. Remove the Fiji lens
2. A move from dominance to partnership in the PIF- learning
from history
3. Recognition of the logistical needs for southern political
grouping
4. Recognition of MSG key role in effective regional
integration
LEARNING FROM KEN PIDDINGTON 1973
[The Forum] is an exercise in partnership. Australia and
New Zealand sit at the table as equals, and are not
dominant partners.
It is tacitly understood that Australia and New Zealand
will defer when it comes to deciding the direction
which the Forum as a whole should take in asserting
its role in the region.
Ken Piddington, Deputy Director of SPEC and former Ministry of FAs, Wellington
5. Recognition that Global pacific diplomacy effort has
moved outside the Forum- should not compete in
current configuration
6. Openness to new friendly proposals of restructuring to
ensure both Pacific island ownership and close ANZ
partnership (like USP partnership)
7. Openness to principles of PIDF –inclusivity of civil
society, private industry, consultative assembly,
mandate for UN etc