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Patricia O’Brien

Patricia O’Brien

The Diplomat

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Why Are Votes of No Confidence So Common in the Pacific?

Across much of the Pacific, votes of no confidence have become a frequently deployed, and increasingly disruptive, tactic.

09.12.2024 2

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

How the Pacific Voted in the US Election

On November 5, voters went to the polls on U.S. Pacific islands: the state of Hawai'i and the three U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, and the...

13.11.2024 10

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

France’s Colonial Legacy in the Pacific: A Contemporary Crisis

Much attention has been paid to France’s relationship with New Caledonia in recent months, but France has also been compelled to address its...

30.10.2024 8

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

France’s Growing Pacific Crisis

The first step to resolving the New Caledonia crisis is for France to return to the resolve it demonstrated in the mid-1990s and drastically alter its...

29.07.2024 4

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

Shifting Models of Sovereignty in the Pacific

The ambiguous and evolving status of the Cook Islands and Niue holds lessons for other Pacific powers.

22.07.2024 7

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

The Pacific’s Evolving Map

The quotidian legacies of colonialism in the Pacific are dramatically shaping the present. 

15.07.2024 8

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

Jeremiah Manele Becomes Solomon Islands Prime Minister

Whatever window of opportunity the election presented for a change of course on the geopolitical front has closed. But Manele has an opportunity still...

03.05.2024 20

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

Sogavare Stands Down as Dust Settles From Solomon Islands Election

The four-time prime minister says he won’t contest for the top office, with the election results repudiating in part the geopolitical direction...

29.04.2024 40

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

China, Fiji and the Fentanyl Scourge

Recent sensational revelations show how extensively Fiji has been affected by – and integral to – one of the most sensitive dimensions of...

27.04.2024 40

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

Is This the End of the COFA Saga?

With COFA funding expected to finally get congressional approval, the U.S. will need to work to overcome the negative perceptions generated by the...

08.03.2024 10

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

Marape’s State Visit Puts Australia-Papua New Guinea Bonhomie on Display

For Australia, it is critical to keep good ties with PNG amid China's growing influence.

12.02.2024 20

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

COFA Collateral Damage and Its Consequences: A View from Palau

Palau President Surangel Whipps says that “there was optimism and hope” when the Palau-U.S. compact agreement was signed. But concerns are...

09.02.2024 20

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

Nauru’s Geopolitical Clout  

The diplomatic battle between Taipei and Beijing is but one arena where Nauru is flexing muscle that greatly exceeds its demographic and geographic...

17.01.2024 10

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

Australia’s Start to 2024 Sets the Stage for a Challenging Year

As 2023 ended and 2024 began, Australia navigates a bevvy of difficult issues both at home and far abroad.

08.01.2024 6

The Diplomat

Patricia O’Brien

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