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Securing PNG’s Maritime Domain: The Case for Satellite Ownership and Strategic Partnership with Israel

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In an era of intensifying geopolitical competition and rising transnational threats, PNG must rethink its national security priorities with greater urgency and innovation. One area that demands immediate attention is maritime security. As an island state with vast and resource-rich maritime zones, PNG cannot afford to remain blind to illicit activities that occur daily across its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). One transformative step forward would be to acquire or gain access to satellite technology that can support persistent surveillance and enhance maritime domain awareness. Screenshot of the article by Marian Faa and Theckla Gunga. PNG currently relies heavily on external partners to monitor its maritime boundaries, particularly in the context of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human trafficking, and transnational crime. While these partnerships remain important, they are not substitutes for sovereign capacity. Satellite capabilities—particularly those enabling ...

Invest in Academic Mentorship, Not Foreign Scholarships

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PNG’s higher education sector faces numerous challenges, with one of the most significant being the lack of academic mentorship and research culture within universities. Instead of offering scholarships to Solomon Islands students to study in PNG, the government should focus on building an academic mentorship framework that fosters research excellence and strengthens local expertise. Without proper guidance and mentorship, young academics in PNG struggle to develop their careers, limiting the country's intellectual and research capabilities. When I began teaching international relations in 2012, there was no senior lecturer or professor in the field to guide me in my journey toward becoming an academic or research expert. I had to build myself up through perseverance, self-learning, and dedication to training future graduates. Over the years, I have worked hard to establish myself in the field and have mentored students who have gone on to contribute significantly to the gove...

PNG’s Higher Education Needs PhD Academics and Research Funding, Not Solomon Islands Scholarships

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PNG’s higher education sector faces significant challenges that require urgent attention. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of PhD-qualified academics across various disciplines, including political science, international relations, education, journalism, anthropology, business management, public health, physiotherapy, education, law, environmental health, rural health, civil engineering, computer science, mathematics, geology, surveying, land administration, mining engineering, architecture, social work, religious studies, nursing, literature, and history. Despite numerous academic audits conducted by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), which have highlighted the need for more research and staff development, little has been done to address this crisis. The government must prioritize funding to support academic growth and research output before extending scholarships to foreign students. The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) b...

PNG’s 50th Anniversary: A Strategic Opportunity to Showcase the Crown Jewel of Pacific Geopolitics

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As PNG commemorates its 50th anniversary of nationhood, preparations are underway to highlight the country's significant historical journey and its contemporary strategic importance on the global stage. The celebrations, planned for September, will not only honor past achievements but also present PNG as the pivotal nation in Pacific geopolitics, underscoring its crucial role in ongoing global power competitions. Details of the preparations, including a high-profile royal visit, were recently shared by the Foreign Minister on his official Facebook page: Justin Tkatchenko - Moresby South MP . Screenshot of the Minister's Facebook page. This landmark anniversary has attracted international attention, notably with preparations for a high-profile visit by a Member of the British Royal Family. Coordination efforts for this royal visit are being carefully managed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Elias Wohengu, Chief of Protocol Lucas Manduru, and Chief Coordinator of the Royal Visit Jude...

PNG: The Crown Jewel of Pacific Geopolitics and the Battle for Dominance

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PNG, the largest nation in the Pacific Islands region, has increasingly emerged as the strategic crown jewel in contemporary geopolitical competitions. In the intricate chessboard of Pacific geopolitics, PNG's abundant natural resources, geographical positioning, and political potential make it indispensable. Sir Halford Mackinder's Heartland Theory , which argues that control over pivotal geographic regions can determine global supremacy, provides a lens to understand why PNG has become such a contested space. Mackinder argued that domination of the "Heartland"—central Eurasia—would grant global power. Adapting this logic to the Pacific context, PNG serves as a maritime 'Heartland' whose control significantly influences strategic stability. Located just north of Australia and east of the Indonesian archipelago, PNG sits at a crucial intersection of maritime trade routes linking Asia, Oceania, and North America. Whoever wields influence over PNG gains substant...

Review of Post-Courier Editorial: "Is PNG’s Security Compromised?"

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Introduction The Post-Courier editorial titled "Is PNG’s Security Compromised?" critically examines national security issues facing Papua New Guinea (PNG). The piece explores concerns around unauthorized surveillance, exploitation of natural resources, cybersecurity threats, and potential weaknesses within intelligence and law enforcement structures. This review assesses the strength of the editorial’s arguments, its analytical depth, and the evidence presented, while providing recommendations to improve the clarity and impact of its message. Screenshot of the editorial on the Post Courier website. Summary The editorial raises important questions regarding the effectiveness of PNG's national security infrastructure by highlighting various incidents and concerns. It points to unauthorized foreign drone activities, suggesting potential espionage risks. Additionally, it addresses issues related to the unauthorized extraction of resources, including illegal mining, logging, ...

The Need for a Home-Grown Foreign Policy Program in PNG

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PNG is at a critical juncture in its foreign policy development, where strategic engagement with regional and global actors is becoming increasingly significant. As the country pursues its Vision 2050 strategic plan , it is essential to develop a home-grown Foreign Policy or International Relations program that aligns with PNG’s national aspirations, economic growth, and regional leadership ambitions. Currently, most students and professionals seeking expertise in this field must rely on foreign institutions, limiting the development of context-specific knowledge that is crucial for advancing PNG’s diplomatic and geopolitical objectives. Screenshot of the introduction segment of the survey. A locally developed postgraduate program in Foreign Policy Analysis will ensure that PNG’s diplomatic practitioners, policymakers, and international affairs experts are trained within a framework that reflects national priorities . While existing international relations programs provide general k...