In the final episode, we journey into the French Pacific, uncovering the region's complex political and social landscape in a part of the region that few Australians pay much attention to. We discuss the crucial role of language and media in understanding regional issues, and the relationships between Australia and France. We also address the devastating impact of historical nuclear tests on the community, featuring a first-hand account from a community member. As we wrap up our statecraft journey, Professor Joanne Wallis and the team reflect on what surprised them, what they learned, and the mysteries that remain. They discuss the challenges of breaking old habits in policy-making and the importance of storytelling in understanding the human side of statecraft.  This episode features:- Joanne Wallis - Professor of International Security at University of Adelaide and Executive Producer of Statecraftiness- Gordon Peake - Host- Dame Meg Taylor - Former Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum - Nic Maclellan - Journalist and Researcher in the Pacific Islands - Motai Brotherson - President of French Polynesia- Hina Morgant-Cross - Parliamentarian in French Polynesia- Mark Panayiotis Notaras - Executive Producer of Statecraftiness and General Manager at CulturalPulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode takes us on a journey through the geopolitics of the North Pacific, long a site of contestation between the major powers. We explore the geopolitically charged landscapes of the North Pacific and the impacts of the U.S. military presence on Islands such as Saipan, Guam, and Okinawa in Japan. Through insightful discussions with experts from these regions, they help us shed light on statecraft through the analysis of U.S. foreign policy, security issues, and personal experiences. How will these islands and their peoples navigate the ever-changing landscape of global geopolitics? This episode features: - Gordon Peake - Host- Camilla Pohle - Senior Program Specialist, Pacific Islands at United States Institute of Peace - Brian Harding - Senior Expert, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands at United States Institute of Peace - Kenneth Kuper - Research Professor of Geopolitics and International Relations at the University of Guam and Director of the Pacific Center for Island Security- Tatsuki Kohatsu - PhD Candidate at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa- Narushige Michishita - Professor of International Security Affairs at National Graduate Institute for Policy StudiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode, we discuss the pressing issue of climate change, exploring the critical role in statecraft and the unique challenges faced by the Pacific. How does the Pacific balance immediate infrastructure needs with the long-term threat of climate change in their diplomacy with major powers? With the global and existential threat of climate change, we feature insights from key figures, experts and activists highlighting the challenges and realities of climate diplomacy, negotiations, and sustainable development solutions in the Pacific. Through these diverse perspectives, the episode sheds light on the complexities of climate diplomacy in the Pacific and the urgent need for global action to address climate change. This episode features: - Gordon Peake - Host - Satyendra Prasad - Climate Lead at Abt Associates  - Oliver Nobetau - Pacific Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute - Richard Gorkrun - Executive Director at Tuvalu Climate Action Network  - Romitesh Kant - PhD Candidate at Australian National UniversitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exploring independence movements in the Pacific, experts discuss Bougainville and West Papua's journey towards autonomy, legal complexities, and international support. The influence of existing states on state recognition, cultural preservation in West Papua, and Vanuatu's support through music add depth to the quest for independence in the region.

Professor Joanne Wallis discusses the evolution of 'statecraft' in Australian government documents, focusing on Defense Strategic Review and International Development Policy. Guests explore language influence, strategic equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific, challenges in policy development, and navigating diplomatic relations in the Pacific.

This episode walks through the nuanced responses of countries in the Pacific region and Timor-Leste, exploring the perspectives of key figures who wielded substantial influence in government and healthcare during the COVID-19 era. This narrative unfolds by examining the dynamics that shaped each nation's approach to the Pandemic, such as the subtle pressures and preparations that influenced their responses.  How did these factors play a role in determining the strategies adopted by different nations, and what lessons can we draw from their experiences? We discuss the importance of working together and having pre-existing relationships in determining the efficacy of these responses. This episode features: - Gordon Peake - Host - Jack Niedenthal - Former Secretary of Health for Marshall Islands - Josh Francis - Principal Research Fellow and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at Menzies School of Health Research - Fidelis Magalhaes - Former Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of East Timor - Stephanie Williams - Australia’s Former Ambassador for Regional Health Security at Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pacific Food Island Revolution (PIFR) continues to be televised to record numbers of people in the Pacific Islands. But do Australia and New Zealand harvest the soft power benefits of the show? And to what extent has PIFR influenced healthier eating in the region? In this episode we explore the soft power of television through the program often referred to as the MasterChef of the Pacific.   Henrietta McNeill, a key contributor to Professor Joanne Wallis's Statecraftiness project, suggests a shift from insecurity-inducing TV to content that truly feeds and nourishes the soul.   Mele Mauala guides us through traditional Samoan cuisine such as seafood, root crops, and fruits while discussing the transition of Western foods, like wheat, into mainstream diets.    Enid Westerlund takes us on an heart-racing tour of Samoan restaurants   Our own Mark Panayiotis Notaras shares his experience of partnering with the show through his work as Co-Founder of the Timor-Leste Food Lab in a collaborative dinner for the then Timor-Leste Prime Minister.   We learn how the Pacific Food Island Revolution has impacted behaviour and food consumption patterns, by exploring diverse perspectives from industry insiders.   This episode features:   - Gordon Peake - Host - Henrietta McNeill - Pacific Security Researcher at Australian National University - Mele Mauala - Country Programme Coordinator at Samoa Women's Association of Growers #SWAG - Enid Westerlund - Business Consultant and Ambassador Oceania International Students House UK - Mark Panayiotis Notaras - Executive Producer of Statecraftiness, General Manager at CulturalPulse, and Co-Founder of the Timor-Leste Food Lab and Agora Food Studio  - Barney Higgins - Voicing the words of Robert Louis Stevenson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast, the hosts explore the influence of sports in statecraft. They discuss the impact of the FIFA Women's World Cup and National Rugby League. Soft power in the Pacific and sports diplomacy are also investigated, along with Australia's efforts to exercise soft power through rugby league. The benefits and concerns of promoting the NRLP in Papua New Guinea are discussed.

In the final episode of Joanne Wallis's quest, Gordon Peake asks photojournalist Ben Bohane to examine defence training as a tool of statecraft and how it's responding to the new geo-strategic climate. Reporting during a major cyclone in Vanuatu, they discuss how climate change is the biggest security issue and navigating geopolitical storm clouds that is defence cooperation. Gordon speaks with Tokam Kalele - Retired Colonel from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and Louis-Alexandre Berg - Assistant Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University. Lastly, Gordon recaps the first season with University of Adelaide Professor Joanne Wallis and they look ahead for Statecraftiness season 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode seven we delve into the sector that has the biggest pieces of statecraft in budgetary terms - governance and public administration programs. These programs showcase the inner works of bureaucracy and have ubiquitous influence in the Pacific. Gordon Peake has been trying to explain to his parents, in laws and kids what he does for a living all the time seized with worry as to whether all the governance programs he has been involved in add up to much. He goes to find out more about governance and whether it influences by talking with Graham Teskey - Governance Technical Lead at Abt Australia, Graeme Smith - Associate Professor at the Australian National University, Paula Torres - Reporter, Godfree Kaptigau - Freelancer, Joseph Nobetau - Former Papua New Guinea Chief Migration Officer and Ruth Kissam - Community Organiser. Special guests include Charles and Patrick Peake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.