The Americas First Foreign Policy: What It Means for PNG and the Pacific

The recent shift in U.S. foreign policy under the "Americas First" approach, as articulated by Senator Marco Rubio, signals a renewed focus on Central and South America. The policy aims to bolster economic stability in these regions to curb migration into the U.S. However, this strategic realignment may come at the expense of U.S. aid and diplomatic engagement elsewhere, particularly in the Pacific. As Papua New Guinea (PNG) and its neighbors assess the implications, key questions emerge: Are we in America's backyard? And how will this shift affect the Pacific’s geopolitical landscape?

Screenshot of Marco Rubio's statement on the 'Americas First' foreign policy, outlining its impact on global diplomacy and economic priorities.

Traditionally, the term "America’s backyard" has referred to Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the Monroe Doctrine’s legacy of U.S. hemispheric dominance. PNG and the broader Pacific region, geographically distant from this sphere, have historically not been considered a priority in U.S. foreign policy. However, in recent years, Washington has sought to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Pacific, evident in defense agreements and renewed diplomatic efforts. The "Americas First" shift may now jeopardize this engagement.

One immediate concern is the potential reduction in U.S. aid to Pacific nations. Reports indicate that U.S. financial assistance to Fiji was recently frozen , raising alarms among regional leaders. Pacific Island nations have long relied on international support for economic development, climate resilience, and security cooperation. A reduction in U.S. aid could leave critical gaps, forcing these nations to seek alternative partners, most notably China, which has been expanding its footprint in the region through infrastructure investments and strategic agreements.

The Pacific region’s strategic significance cannot be understated. The U.S.-PNG Defense Cooperation Agreement, signed in 2023, granted American forces access to key military sites, demonstrating PNG’s importance in regional security. If Washington’s focus shifts away from the Pacific, the implementation and longevity of such agreements could come into question. This could, in turn, create opportunities for China to further cement its role as a dominant security partner in the region, altering the geopolitical balance.

Climate change is another critical issue that could be affected by shifting U.S. priorities. The Pacific is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world, and countries have relied on international commitments to support climate adaptation efforts. If the U.S. scales back funding for climate initiatives in favor of economic projects in Latin America, Pacific nations may struggle to meet sustainability goals. This could strain relations between the U.S. and Pacific leaders, who have been vocal about the existential threat climate change poses to their nations.

While PNG and the Pacific may not be in America’s "backyard" in the traditional sense, the region’s importance in global geopolitics remains undeniable. The U.S. has made efforts to re-engage with the Pacific through high-level summits, diplomatic visits, and the reopening of its USAID office in the region . However, a policy shift that deprioritizes the Pacific could undermine these efforts, raising doubts about America’s long-term commitment.

For PNG, the challenge lies in navigating a potential reduction in U.S. engagement while maintaining balanced diplomatic and economic relations with key partners, including China, Australia, and other Pacific allies. The country must take a proactive stance in regional forums to ensure that Pacific interests remain on the global agenda, regardless of shifting U.S. priorities. This includes pushing for continued investment in climate initiatives, infrastructure development, and security cooperation.

Ultimately, the "Americas First" foreign policy reflects Washington’s evolving strategic priorities, but it does not erase the Pacific’s growing significance. PNG and its neighbors must remain agile, advocating for their interests while diversifying partnerships to ensure their long-term stability and development. As global power dynamics shift, the Pacific cannot afford to be sidelined in the great power competition that increasingly defines international relations.