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Preparing for the 2028 Program Review: Calling on Our Graduates to Stay Connected

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By Bernard Yegiora The Bachelor of Arts in PNG and International Studies began implementing its current Program Specification Document in the 2023 academic year. The present five-year curriculum cycle therefore runs from 2023 to 2027 , with the next formal program review due in 2028 under Divine Word University’s five-year program review process. The current PSD also shows that graduate tracer data and alumni feedback have previously contributed to curriculum review and improvement. Screenshot from the current Bachelor of Arts in Papua New Guinea and International Studies Program Specification Document (PSD) , implemented from 2023 and due for formal review in 2028 after the five-year cycle. We are therefore beginning preparations early so that the 2028 review can be based on evidence rather than assumptions. We need to hear from graduates One important part of the review will be to understand where our recent graduates are working, what they are doing, and how relevant the program ha...
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PNG Bilateral Relations and Strategic Priorities: Students Apply the Foreign Policy White Paper 2025

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By Bernard Yegiora  As part of PG428 Foreign Policy in PNG , students recently completed Database Activity 2 , focusing on PNG’s bilateral relations and the question of strategic partnership prioritisation. Week 6 of PG428 Foreign Policy in PNG , featuring Topic 4 on Somare’s influence and Database Activity 2 on PNG’s major bilateral relationships under the Foreign Policy White Paper 2025 . The activity was based on an important principle contained in the PNG Foreign Policy White Paper 2025 : PNG must maintain strong bilateral relationships while ensuring that its external engagements continue to serve the country’s national interests. For a country like PNG, this is not simply a question of maintaining diplomatic relations with as many countries as possible. PNG has limited diplomatic, administrative and financial resources. It must therefore make strategic choices about where to concentrate its diplomatic attention and how different bilateral relationships contribute to security,...
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When a Neighbouring Conflict Enters PNG’s Security Environment

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By Bernard Yegiora Part Two of a three-part series on the implications of the West Papua conflict for PNG’s national security. Part One of this series identified three warning signs emerging from the West Papua conflict: the display of high-powered firearms by armed groups, the killing of an American pilot, and the execution of three Indigenous Papuans accused of being “traitors.” These incidents indicate increasing armed capability, an expansion in the range of people considered legitimate targets, and a willingness by armed groups to enforce political loyalty through violence. However, the security implications for PNG do not depend on armed fighters launching a direct attack across the international border. A neighbouring conflict can enter PNG’s security environment in other ways. It can produce refugee movements, firearms trafficking, intelligence activity, cross-border pursuit, diplomatic pressure and political mobilisation. Its narratives can also influence sensitive domestic is...
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Foreign Policy Begins at Home: Students Analyse PNG’s Domestic Challenges and External Relations

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By Bernard Yegiora  On Friday, 17 July 2026, students in PG428 Foreign Policy in PNG participated in the Week 3 Q&A activity on Foreign Policy as an Extension of Domestic Policy . The activity required students to examine how PNG’s domestic challenges shape its foreign policy priorities, external partnerships, and implementation capacity under the Foreign Policy White Paper 2025 . The main inquiry question was: How does one domestic policy challenge shape PNG’s foreign policy under the Foreign Policy White Paper 2025? The seven permanent groups examined different domestic policy areas and presented their findings to the class. National Security and Border Security Group 1 examined national security and border security. The group identified weak coordination among government agencies, limited security capabilities, border-management weaknesses, and non-traditional security threats as major domestic challenges. These challenges influence PNG’s foreign policy by encouraging stron...
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Students Review PNG’s Foreign Policy White Paper 2025 Using Four Levels of Analysis

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 By Bernard Yegiora Students in PG428 Foreign Policy in PNG recently completed a special online activity reviewing the PNG Foreign Policy White Paper 2025 using Gyngell and Wesley’s four levels of foreign policy analysis : strategic, contextual, organisational, and operational. The activity required students to move beyond simply summarising the White Paper. Instead, they were asked to review it as a foreign policy decision-making document . This meant examining how PNG’s national interests, domestic and regional challenges, institutional actors, and implementation issues shape the country’s foreign policy direction. The session was conducted through Zoom, with student groups presenting their analysis to the class. Each group reviewed the White Paper through the four levels of analysis and identified which level best explained the document overall. Most groups selected the strategic level as the primary level of analysis, arguing that the White Paper is mainly concerned with PNG...
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From Dual-Track Pragmatism to 'One China' Consolidation: A Major Shift in China–PNG Relations

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By Bernard Yegiora The meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko in Manila on 22 July 2026 should not be treated as another routine diplomatic engagement. It confirms a significant change in the political foundations of China–PNG relations. PNG and China reaffirmed their deepening bilateral partnership during high-level talks in Manila on 22 July 2026, with the One-China Policy and expanded cooperation central to the discussions. The formal diplomatic position has not changed: PNG has recognised the People’s Republic of China and adhered to the 'One China' Policy since diplomatic relations were established in 1976. What has changed is how strictly PNG is now interpreting and implementing that policy. For almost four decades, PNG maintained a form of dual-track pragmatism . It recognised Beijing diplomatically while allowing unofficial commercial and economic relations with Taiwan. The decision to close the Taipei Econom...
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Warning Signs from West Papua: What PNG’s National Security Sector Must Note

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By Bernard Yegiora  Part One of a three-part series on the implications of the West Papua conflict for PNG's national security. Recent developments in West Papua should be treated as early-warning indicators by PNG’s National Security Agency and the other agencies operating within the National Security Sector. Videos circulated on Facebook and other social-media platforms appear to show West Papuan armed fighters displaying high-powered firearms. On 2 July 2026, fighters from the West Papua National Liberation Army, commonly known as the TPNPB, claimed responsibility for killing an American pilot and burning his aircraft in Yahukimo. The armed group subsequently claimed responsibility for killing three Indigenous Papuans whom it accused of supplying intelligence to Indonesian authorities. Viewed individually, these incidents may appear to be separate episodes within a longstanding armed conflict. Viewed collectively, however, they indicate a possible increase in armed capability,...
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