Insecurity in oceania: An Australian perspective

Abstract

During the Cold War security concerns in Oceania were predominantly state-centred, involving such issues as ‘strategic denial’ in relation to the USSR, French nuclear testing and the Kanak demand for independence in New Caledonia. In the post-cold war era ‘comprehensive security’ provides a useful framework for assessing security in Oceania. This framework covers various issues, including political and societal security (particularly failing states), economic security, environmental security and various new international agenda issues (such as organized crime, terrorism and health). ‘Enhanced regionalism’ has been an important response to these various challenges. Australia has assumed a leading role in the development of this response, and also led the international intervention in Solomon Islands in 2003. Stronger regional cooperation is likely to result from the Pacific Plan, although not to the extent sought by Australia. The response to insecurity in Oceania needs to focus on long-term development issues.