Examining Key Security Questions in PG420 International and Regional Security

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On Monday, 24 February, seven student groups from the PNG and International Studies and Communication Arts (Journalism) programs in the PG420 International and Regional Security unit will present their responses to critical questions concerning PNG’s national security and regional security dynamics. These discussions will explore theoretical and practical challenges within PNG’s security landscape, with a particular focus on maritime security (Blue Security) and national security system reforms. The significance of these topics lies in their direct implications for policy formulation, enforcement mechanisms, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

My conceptualization of Blue Security in PNG emphasizes a necessary shift from traditional national security concerns to issues specifically affecting the maritime domain. This perspective highlights the growing threats posed by illicit activities such as drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and maritime boundary violations. Given PNG’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, effectively addressing these challenges requires a robust maritime security framework, improved inter-agency coordination, and enhanced regional partnerships to safeguard national interests and economic resources.

Hualupmomi examines how both positive and negative feedback mechanisms in policy reforms influence the self-organization of security agencies in PNG. To ensure that feedback mechanisms lead to cohesive and effective security outcomes rather than further fragmentation, policymakers must design structured policy evaluations and inter-agency cooperation frameworks. Establishing adaptive governance mechanisms that allow flexibility while maintaining a coordinated response is crucial for achieving long-term security stability and operational efficiency. A deeper exploration of system perspectives in security, as analyzed by Hualupmomi, is available in his article.

A screenshot of the article on the DKI APCSS Security Nexus website.

The complexity of PNG’s national security system, as analyzed by Hualupmomi, significantly impacts the country’s ability to address emerging threats such as climate change and transnational crime. The interaction of multiple security agencies, traditional governance structures, and external influences creates both opportunities and vulnerabilities. To build resilience, PNG must adopt a whole-of-government approach that integrates traditional security structures with modern strategic policies, ensuring a more responsive and adaptive national security framework.

PNG’s national security system remains fragmented, leaving the country vulnerable to both internal and external threats. Hualupmomi suggests that adopting a Complex Adaptive Systems approach could improve national security governance. This approach promotes adaptive learning, decentralization, and inter-agency collaboration, enabling security institutions to dynamically adjust to evolving threats. Implementing a multi-layered response mechanism will enhance PNG’s security posture, ensuring a proactive rather than reactive approach to security threats.

Key legislative and policy measures, such as the Maritime Zones Act and the National Security Policy, have been implemented to address Blue Security concerns. However, questions remain regarding their effectiveness in aligning with international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. While these policies provide a foundational legal structure, gaps persist in enforcement, surveillance capabilities, and resource allocation. Addressing these deficiencies requires increased investment in maritime security infrastructure and leveraging international cooperation. Further discussions on PNG’s security frameworks can be found in my chapter.

Regional partnerships play a crucial role in improving PNG’s Blue Security capabilities, but fostering such cooperation is not without challenges. Sovereignty concerns, capacity limitations, and bureaucratic inefficiencies often hinder effective collaboration. Strengthening partnerships with nations such as Australia and the United States can enhance PNG’s Maritime Domain Awareness and facilitate joint enforcement operations. However, achieving sustainable and mutually beneficial security cooperation requires PNG to carefully balance national sovereignty with the need for international collaboration to address shared security concerns.

The final question integrates perspectives from my work and Hualupmomi, focusing on how a cohesive national security framework informed by complexity science can strengthen regional cooperation and address PNG’s Blue Security gaps. A well-integrated security system, supported by adaptive learning, strategic regional partnerships, and effective inter-agency coordination, will improve PNG’s capacity to respond to maritime threats. By strengthening institutional capabilities and aligning security policies with Indo-Pacific security interests, PNG can effectively navigate its evolving security landscape.

Key Questions Addressed by the Student Groups:

  1. According to Yegiora, the conceptualization of Blue Security in PNG emphasizes a shift from traditional national security issues to those specifically related to the maritime domain. Why is this perspective significant, and how does it address emerging challenges such as drug smuggling and illegal fishing in the Indo-Pacific?

  2. According to Hualupmomi, both positive and negative feedback in policy reforms have influenced the self-organization of agents within the national security system. How can policymakers ensure that feedback mechanisms produce cohesive and effective outcomes instead of further fragmentation?

  3. As discussed by Hualupmomi, the national security system in PNG is characterized by a complex interaction of agents and feedback loops. How does this complexity impact the country's ability to address emerging threats like climate change and transnational crime?

  4. Hualupmomi highlights the fragmented nature of PNG’s national security system and its vulnerability to both internal and external threats. How can adopting a complex adaptive systems approach improve the country’s ability to respond to these challenges?

  5. As discussed by Yegiora, PNG has implemented key legislative and policy measures such as the Maritime Zones Act and the National Security Policy to address Blue Security concerns. How effective are these frameworks in aligning with international standards like UNCLOS, and what gaps remain?

  6. Yegiora highlights the importance of regional partnerships for improving PNG’s Blue Security capabilities. What are the main challenges in fostering such cooperation, and how can partnerships with countries like Australia and the United States enhance maritime domain awareness and enforcement?

  7. Yegiora emphasizes the importance of regional partnerships in addressing PNG's Blue Security challenges, particularly in protecting its Exclusive Economic Zone and enhancing maritime law enforcement. Meanwhile, Hualupmomi highlights the fragmented nature of PNG's national security system and the need for a complex adaptive systems approach. How can a cohesive national security framework, informed by complexity science, strengthen regional cooperation and address PNG’s Blue Security gaps?

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