EPISODE · Apr 20, 2026 · 32 MIN
Pacific Island States and Great‑Power Engagement, with Dr Alan Tidwell
from Asia Unlocked · host Asian Studies at Georgetown SFS
In this episode, Professor Alan Tidwell, Director of the Centre for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies at Georgetown University, explains why the PICS matter strategically, how geography shapes their political choices, and why external pressure from major powers often backfires. He discusses the legacy of U.S. disengagement, 'strategic arbitrage' among island governments, and how Australia and New Zealand are adapting through new forms of strategic denial. Tidwell also assesses China’s growing role, local perceptions of Chinese development projects, and where the U.S. can realistically compete, highlighting areas such as people‑to‑people ties, Peace Corps engagement, and airfield development.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Professor Alan Tidwell, Director of the Centre for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies at Georgetown University, explains why the PICS matter strategically, how geography shapes their political choices, and why external pressure from major powers often backfires. He discusses the legacy of U.S. disengagement, 'strategic arbitrage' among island governments, and how Australia and New Zealand are adapting through new forms of strategic denial. Tidwell also assesses China’s growing role, local perceptions of Chinese development projects, and where the U.S. can realistically compete, highlighting areas such as people‑to‑people ties, Peace Corps engagement, and airfield development.
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Pacific Island States and Great‑Power Engagement, with Dr Alan Tidwell
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