In 2022 Peacifica was engaged by the University of Adelaide to undertake a new research project that is a spiritual successor to Pacific Perspectives on the World, our research project with the Whitlam Institute. The university's Stretton Institute has engaged Peacifica, together with Development Services Exchange in Solomon Islands, and Linda Kenni, Dr Tess Newton-Cain and their team in Vanuatu to conduct this ambitious new research project. 

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The research seeks to gain a greater understanding of perspectives from the Pacific Islands region about key issues related to security and stability, and resilience and vulnerability, defined broadly and framed within a local context. It is funded under a collaborative research agreement with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).

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Initially, the project involves mixed-method longitudinal studies of the attitudes and views of Pacific people in two case study locations: Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. These studies will be underpinned by a deep understanding of local context, including, but not limited to, a consideration of relevant political institutions, social structures, networks, norms, and interests.

 

The project seeks to acknowledge and reinforce local agency, including the framing of key topics/issues within local experiences and perspectives. It has been co-created by researchers based at the University of Adelaide, research partners in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and researchers from the DSTG. 

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The project is guided by a jointly developed Cultural Protocol and Data Collection Plan and Communication Plan. The project's website will be developed and updated as the project progresses. 

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It is hoped that this project will help the Australian Department of Defence, and more broadly, the Government of Australia, better understand the Pacific Islands region, develop more sustainable and culturally-sensitive engagement strategies, and play its part in creating a safer, fairer, more stable, prosperous and peaceful Pacific.