The Yegiora Files

In the wake of Hon. Dr. Lino Tom's recent remarks about the looming disintegration of Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a united nation, it is crucial to delve deeper into the structural issues that underlie the challenges he highlights. Dr. Tom’s call to reflect on PNG’s future, particularly as we approach our 50th anniversary of independence, draws attention to the growing cries for dismemberment and the widespread disillusionment with how the nation’s wealth is distributed. While Dr. Tom’s analysis is heartfelt, it offers a limited view of the complex socio-economic forces that drive the inequality he so rightly condemns. In his commentary, Dr. Tom focuses on the unequal distribution of resources and wealth, especially the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few elites. He criticizes the failure of the nation to live up to the National Goals and Directive Principles (NGDP), which advocate for inclusive development, equality, and participation. These principles were enshr...

The publication of Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Policy White Paper marks a milestone in defining the nation’s place in a complex and rapidly changing global environment. However, the process behind this document, which should have been a transparent and inclusive national effort, leaves much to be desired. At the heart of this issue is the ineffectiveness of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, which has failed to provide the level of oversight and accountability necessary for such an important initiative. The Role of the Committee: Oversight or Oversight? The Permanent Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence exists to scrutinize policies, processes, and expenditures within the domain of PNG’s foreign policy and national defense. It should serve as a critical body that holds the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) accountable for how public funds are used and ensures that such processes adhere to principles of transparency, inclusivity, and quality. Unfortunately,...

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has taken a bold step into the digital age with the launch of its official website: https ://dfa.gov.pg . This new platform is more than a tool for diplomacy—it’s a rich resource for academics, students, and educators seeking to enhance their understanding of PNG’s foreign policy and international relations. As an educator and researcher, I see immense potential for the DFA website to revolutionize teaching and learning by fostering critical thinking, practical application, and global awareness. The website provides comprehensive access to PNG’s foreign policy documents, diplomatic mission information, and updates on global engagements. This wealth of information allows educators to ground their lessons in real-world contexts, turning abstract concepts into tangible examples. For instance, courses on foreign policy analysis or international relations can incorporate these materials to examine how PNG negotiates trade dea...

The announcement that Papua New Guinea’s foreign policy white paper will be tabled in April 2025 is a milestone for the nation. However, this milestone also exposes a glaring oversight in the policy formulation process—the lack of consultation with key academic institutions that contribute significantly to the human resources of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Among these institutions, Divine Word University (DWU) stands out, particularly its Department of PNG and International Studies. Over the past decade, DWU has produced about thirteen graduates who are currently working for the Department of Foreign Affairs. This significant number underscores DWU’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s diplomatic and foreign policy capabilities. Students are taught theory and practical knowledge to help them develop a robust understanding of international relations, aligning with efforts to implement the Vision 2050 strategic plan. The program has also innovated its teaching and learning appr...

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...