Confronting Transnational Organized Crime in the Pacific: Lessons from Seminar 10

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The final seminar for the International and Regional Security unit at Divine Word University focused on the growing threat of transnational organized crime in PNG and the wider Pacific region. This type of crime—spanning human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illicit financial flows—continues to exploit institutional weaknesses across Pacific Island countries. The seminar brought together a range of student presentations that examined the drivers, dynamics, and policy responses to this issue, drawing from a chapter authored by Watson, Sousa-Santos, and Howes in the Development Bulletin published by the Australian National University

Screenshot of the video on my YouTube Channel

One of the key themes discussed was the vulnerability of Pacific Island countries to transnational organized crime. Geographic isolation, porous maritime borders, and limited enforcement capacity were identified as major structural challenges. These factors, coupled with gaps in legislation and weak interagency coordination, create fertile ground for transnational criminal networks. Students emphasized the importance of strengthening both legal frameworks and the operational effectiveness of local police forces to combat these emerging threats.

The seminar also explored the nexus between climate change and organized crime in the Pacific. Climate-induced migration, environmental displacement, and socio-economic instability are increasingly being exploited by criminal syndicates. The lack of protective legal measures and limited institutional capacity make communities particularly susceptible to trafficking and smuggling networks. It was argued that regional security planning must integrate climate resilience and human security to address these overlapping challenges.

Another segment of the seminar focused on strengthening law enforcement responses. Recommendations included updating legal codes to criminalize organized crime, enhancing surveillance infrastructure at borders, improving interagency cooperation, and investing in continuous police training. Regional cooperation mechanisms such as the Pacific Transnational Crime Network were discussed as valuable platforms, but students also noted the need for local agencies to develop independent operational capacity to avoid over-dependence on external actors.

The seminar also examined the role of civil society and the private sector in preventing organized crime. These non-state actors were seen as crucial contributors to public awareness, policy advocacy, and innovation in crime prevention. However, challenges such as resource constraints, regulatory barriers, and coordination difficulties were acknowledged. Strengthening these partnerships was highlighted as a key step in developing a whole-of-society approach to crime prevention.

Discussions then turned to regional collaboration and the question of sovereignty. Students reflected on the importance of maintaining national ownership over security priorities while participating in regional frameworks and donor-supported initiatives. They proposed strategies such as clearer legal mandates, more targeted engagement with international partners, and institutional capacity building to ensure that cooperation efforts align with national interests and do not undermine local authority.

The issue of balancing external support with local ownership was also critically assessed. While foreign assistance is important for addressing resource and capability gaps, it was argued that long-term solutions must be anchored in domestic legal reforms, homegrown leadership, and culturally appropriate policing practices. Students suggested that Pacific Island states should set their own security agendas and ensure that international support complements, rather than substitutes, local efforts.

The seminar concluded with a call to action encouraging students to engage more actively with the issue of transnational organized crime. Community-based awareness programs, investigative journalism, and academic research were identified as practical avenues through which students and graduates can contribute to policy dialogue and crime prevention. The seminar served as both a learning platform and a launching point for future engagement in security studies, reminding students that addressing transnational crime is a shared responsibility that extends beyond state actors.

🎥 Watch the full seminar on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/3xtKD249eoE?si=icCHRDlFgbWBNli7

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