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The concept of an “international rules-based order” generally refers to the shared norms, values, processes and institutions used to manage international relations and to maintain geopolitical stability by some partners. For example, the Indo-Pacific framing which some have suggested exists as an approach to contain China, articulates a particular “rules-based order” to support this framing. Countries that are aligned to this approach generally subscribe to this rules-based order, and embed the various “rules” into their international policies.

In the Pacific region, the Blue Pacific narrative and subsequent 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent set out the region’s collective aspirations, priorities and positions from a region-led perspective. The Blue Pacific narrative is underpinned by the rationale that the Pacific would not capitulate to geopolitical competition and interest, but instead assert its own values and priorities through its collective voice and diplomacy.

In this seminar, we contend that the advancement of the Blue Pacific Narrative would be strengthened through the establishment of a Pacific “rules-based order”. We contend that consolidating the Pacific’s vision, interests and priorities into a set of rules that underpin and frame the Blue Pacific Continent would not only serve to make the Blue Pacific Narrative and 2050 Strategy more concrete but that this would also reflect the next natural evolutionary step forward for Pacific Regionalism. In addition, we also propose that the Ocean of Peace concept, as being led by Fiji and the Pacific Islands Forum, represents the ideal instrument through which a Pacific “rules-based order” may be established and advanced.

Speakers

Before joining academia with the Faculty of Law at Auckland University of Technology in September 2024, Mr Sione Tekiteki was Director of Governance and Engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat for 9 years.

Before joining the Pacific Security College at the Australian National University, Mr. Joel Nilon was a Policy Adviser at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIF) for 9 years.

Picture: Jason Oxenham (AP)

Contact the host of Reimagining the International Rules Based Order from a Blue Pacific Perspective