The Yegiora Files

In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the divide between academics and practitioners in foreign policy continues to hinder the development of a cohesive and forward-looking foreign policy framework. This disconnect is not unique to PNG, as Allan Gyngell and Michael Wesley highlight in their seminal book, Making Australian Foreign Policy . Gyngell, who passed away in 2023, described the diverging worlds of practitioners and academics: one grounded in complex realities and detail, the other focused on abstraction and theory. This issue is particularly pronounced in PNG, where recent efforts to update the country’s foreign policy underscore the divide. The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) tasked with drafting the updated foreign policy notably excludes foreign policy and international relations academics from institutions like Divine Word University and the University of Papua New Guinea. Adding to this discourse, Lahui Ako, a seasoned diplomat and retired foreign service officer, provides valuable insig...

The Pacific Islands Forum has long been a cornerstone of regional unity, bringing together member states to address shared challenges. Two key agreements—the Biketawa Declaration of 2000 and the Boe Declaration of 2018 —highlight the Pacific’s evolving approach to security. While the Biketawa Declaration emphasized traditional security concerns, the Boe Declaration reflects a shift towards non-traditional issues like climate change, transnational crime, and cyber threats. Papua New Guinea, as a key player in the region, has an important role in implementing these frameworks, with the National Intelligence Organization (NIO) positioned to bridge national and regional priorities. At the heart of both agreements lies the principle of non-interference. Respect for sovereignty is fundamental to regional cooperation, enabling collective action without undermining the autonomy of member states. However, real-world challenges often test this ideal. For instance, the regional assistance missi...

In a rapidly evolving global and regional security environment, Papua New Guinea faces a range of new challenges that demand a fresh approach to national security. The National Intelligence Organization Act 1984 was crafted in an era when threats were largely limited to espionage, sabotage, and terrorism. While these remain relevant, the definition of national security must evolve to reflect the complexities of today’s world. Why the Current Definition Is Outdated The Act defines national security as protecting PNG from threats like espionage, sabotage, and terrorism, as well as fulfilling international obligations. However, it overlooks modern concerns such as cyber threats, environmental degradation, economic vulnerabilities, and transnational crimes like human and drug trafficking. Additionally, PNG’s vast maritime domain, rich with resources, is increasingly exposed to illegal activities such as unregulated fishing and foreign exploitation. As geopolitical tensions rise, particula...

Papua New Guinea’s maritime domain is vast and rich, spanning over 3.12 million square kilometers and holding resources essential to the nation’s economy and security. However, threats from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes are on the rise, underscoring the need for a proactive maritime security strategy capable of effectively monitoring, protecting, and responding to these challenges. In 2013, PNG’s National Security Policy (NSP) laid the groundwork for a comprehensive, “whole-of-government” approach to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. To bring the National Intelligence Organization (NIO) Act in line with the NSP’s goals, updating the Act is essential. This article outlines key legislative amendments to enhance PNG’s maritime security and contribute to a safe, resilient, and economically stable maritime domain. One of the main tenets of the NSP is the need for strong Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) acros...

In recent years, PNG’s maritime security needs have become increasingly urgent, especially in light of incidents like the Budi Budi island case . In this instance, a foreign vessel carrying illegal drugs was discovered stranded near the island. This discovery was not part of a planned operation but occurred by chance, revealing significant gaps in PNG's maritime domain awareness (MDA) and intelligence framework. The National Intelligence Organization (NIO) Act 1984 was crafted in a different context, focusing on internal security, counter-espionage, and sovereignty protection. While these priorities remain relevant, the Act does not fully address the modern, multifaceted threats that PNG now faces within its maritime borders. The National Security Policy (NSP) 2013 advocates for a more holistic approach to security, emphasizing coordinated inter-agency efforts to counter both traditional and non-traditional threats. Aligning the NIO Act with the NSP is essential for enhancing PNG...

As tensions between the United States (US) and China deepen across the Indo-Pacific, Papua New Guinea (PNG) finds itself navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. For PNG, balancing the competing influences of these superpowers offers both economic opportunities and strategic dilemmas, affecting everything from infrastructure to foreign policy and education. PNG’s response is grounded in a foreign policy principle established in 1975, “Friends to all, enemies to none.” This guiding tenet, designed to safeguard PNG’s independence and sovereignty, is just as relevant today as it was in the Cold War. China’s involvement in PNG’s development has grown rapidly in recent decades, with Beijing’s investments extending to infrastructure, mining, and education. The Belt and Road Initiative has financed projects such as roads, bridges, and telecommunications networks, establishing China as an essential partner in PNG’s economic growth. In extractive industries, projects like th...