PNG's First Foreign Policy: Navigating Independence and Economic Development

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In 1976, Premdas, a prominent scholar, published a seminal article in the Australian Journal of International Affairs, shedding light on the foreign policy options available to newly independent nations. His insights played a crucial role in understanding Papua New Guinea's (PNG) initial foreign policy choices as it embarked on its journey towards nationhood. In this article, we explore the three key foreign policy options that PNG considered, the factors that influenced its decision-making process, and how economic interests ultimately shaped its foreign relations.

The Three Foreign Policy Options

As PNG gained independence, it faced critical decisions about its place in the international arena. Premdas identified three primary foreign policy options open to the country:

  1. Isolationism: The first option was isolationism, which involved a policy of staying aloof from international affairs and maintaining minimal interaction with other nations.

  2. Non-alignment: The second option was non-alignment, a strategy of not aligning with any major power blocs or alliances. This approach allowed PNG to maintain neutrality and independence in its foreign relations.

  3. Diplomatic Coalitions and Military Alliances: The third option was to form diplomatic coalitions and military alliances with countries and international organizations that supported its interests. This approach offered the potential for strategic partnerships and mutual benefits.

Factors Influencing PNG's Choice

The decision to adopt a particular foreign policy strategy hinged on the nation's perceived national interest. Premdas categorized national interest into three key aspects:

  1. Security Interest: Ensuring the country's safety and protection from external threats.

  2. Economic Interest: Pursuing avenues for economic growth, trade, and development.

  3. Ideological Interest: Considering alignments with nations sharing similar political ideologies and values.

Non-alignment and Economic Interest

At independence, PNG had the option of choosing isolationism, but instead, it opted for a non-alignment foreign policy. The doctrine of universalism played a pivotal role in this decision. Universalism centered on economic development and the idea of forging relations with any country or organization that could support PNG's economic interests—regardless of their political ideologies or geopolitical affiliations.

Screen shot of Lahui Ako's online lecture on foreign policy at independence

The country's economic situation at that time was characterized by a small and primarily agriculture-based economy. Lacking sufficient resources for development, PNG relied heavily on foreign aid, trade, and investment. The non-alignment policy allowed it to extend its relations beyond the Oceania region and prioritize economic growth.

Australian Influence and Domestic Factors

It's worth noting that PNG's foreign policy decisions were not without external influence. As a former colonial administrator, Australia played a significant role in shaping the nation's policies during its early years of independence. Whether the foreign policy formulation was an independent process or guided by Australian advisors remains a topic for further research.

To conclude, PNG's first foreign policy represented a delicate balancing act between asserting its independence and pursuing economic growth. With three viable options at its disposal, the country chose the path of non-alignment to focus on universal economic development. This strategic move allowed PNG to build alliances and partnerships beyond its immediate region, enabling it to access much-needed aid, trade, and investment.

As the nation continued to evolve, its foreign policy decisions became increasingly critical in navigating the complex and dynamic international landscape. Today, PNG's journey in foreign affairs is a testament to the importance of aligning national interest with the opportunities and challenges presented by the global community.

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