Small states in the Pacific : sovereignty, vulnerability, and regionalism

Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs) are a valuable area for small-state analysis as they exhibit layers of diversity with respect to sovereignty, development, dependency, political activity, and regional interaction that can contribute to our understanding of the role and influence of small states in international politics. This chapter introduces the small states of the Pacific to readers unfamiliar with the region’s history, economy, and development and is divided into three sections. It first focuses on what constitutes a ‘small state’ in the Pacific Islands context, an important matter given international assumptions about state sovereignty and the diverse political arrangements in the Pacific. We explore factors linked to the geography, land and sea areas, and populations of Pacific Islands polities, as well as the ongoing process of decolonisation, noting that this does not always result in independence. We also set aside the traditional ‘independent/dependent’ distinction of state sovereignty in favour of a more nuanced explanation that allows for a range of activities in international relations for both independent and dependent PICTs. Second, we explore how the ongoing decolonisation of the Pacific has led to small states with limited resource bases using their sovereignty in various ways to guard against vulnerability. Third, we examine how regional organisation has presented opportunities for small states to meet some common challenges, including food systems and food security, in an era of global integration in trade and development, as well as urbanisation and climate change. We argue throughout this chapter that PICTs use their sovereignty, both individually and collectively, to influence larger global agendas, and that such actions create opportunities for both independent and dependent PICTs to engage in subregional, regional, and international actions to advance their specific ‘national’ interests

Media, Art and Stories: A Case for Funding Research into Community-based Creative Arts Practices in Western Sydney

This brief provides practical recommendations for how universities and community-based organisations can join forces to implement creative arts projects with CALD groups with evaluative research components, with the aim of enriching the lives of the people of Western Sydney

Food Security and Asset Creation in Solomon Islands: Gender and the Political Economy of Agricultural Production for Honiara Central Market

This article presents data from a 2017 survey of vendors selling fresh produce at the Honiara Central Market (HCM) over a twelve week period from July-September. It aims to understand the economic contribution of vendors to their communities, and in particular of producer-vendors. Detailed geospatial mapping of the origin of produce sold at HCM illustrates the scope of production for market. Data shows that 70 percent of all produce comes from villages on Guadalcanal to the east of Honiara, with intensive production for market also to the West of Honiara, from Central Province (Savo, Nggelas), and important market trade from parts of Malaita, and New Georgia. There is very limited engagement with HCM from Choiseul and Temotu, and none from Makira and Renbel. The data also indicates that the majority of producer-vendors at the HCM are women, and that the average sale of fresh produce on Fridays generates amounts of income higher than the minimum daily wage. We examine these findings using a lens of food security with a focus on asset creation. We show the economic benefit of market selling for women tends to involve lower value crops of leafy greens, nuts, fruits and root vegetables, while men are more dominant in the lucrative cash crops such as melon

Urban Living Futures and Society: People, Culture, Economy & The Built Environment: Research Theme Report: 2020-2022

The research theme Urban Living Futures and Society: People, Culture, Economy and the Built Environment is proud to present a summary of its activities for the years 2020-2022. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Urban Living Futures and Society has funded twenty pilot research projects and has been a key driver of the new Western Sydney University Urban Transformations Research Centre. This report focuses on the seven different areas of thematic interest for Urban Living Futures and Society, highlighting key issues, future challenges and research projects being undertaken

Better Elder Care: Towards Culturally Appropriate Aged Care Service Provision for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Older (65+) Adults in Greater Western Sydney

The population of Greater Western Sydney (GWS) is growing, ageing, and becoming more diverse, but little is known about the aged care needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) older people is GWS. In this report researchers worked with older CALD adults in a series of creative expression workshops to gather data on their ageing experiences in GWS, and on the issues that affect them in aged care service provision. It argues that the application of a cultural well-being framework to CALD aged care would be beneficial and would enhance a sense of belonging and community that would reduce feelings of isolation for CALD seniors, the vast majority of whom live independently. Findings indicate that older CALD adults are deeply linked to their social networks and families. They also want to continue to be active and take part in the wider community, and require public transport services to enable autonomy. Navigating the fragmented aged care system in Australia emerges as a particularly complex issue for older CALD adults, some of whom require at-home care. Recommendations include the adoption of a cultural well-being framework to inform aged care service provision; block funding for approved CALD care providers to enable social interaction; more green spaces for social gatherings; and bilingual language training opportunities for the CALD aged care sector

Women, Peace and Security Advocacy Brief: Advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in the Indo-Pacific

This report presents an overview of the evolution and impact of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). In acknowledging the unique experiences of women and girls in conflict, UNSCR 1325 emphasises the crucial role of women's participation at all stages of peace processes. Subsequent UNSC Resolutions have further entrenched the WPS agenda in international relations, aligning with discourses of human rights, human security, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN member states are urged to develop National Action Plans (NAPs) to advance the WPS agenda and gender equity through gender mainstreaming. The report highlights NATO's efforts to embed the WPS agenda across its operations, and the adoption of the NATO/Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) Policy on Women, Peace and Security 2021–2025. Lessons from NATO's experience in implementing the WPS agenda are invaluable for Australia and other Indo-Pacific states. This advocacy brief summarizes discussions held at Western Sydney University on the 21st anniversary of UNSCR 1325 on 31 October 2022, analysing the progress of the WPS agenda through the lenses of various cross-cutting themes. It offers recommendations for Australian and regional policymakers to expand the WPS agenda in four key areas: sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), disability; education; and cybersecurity

Understanding the Relationship Between Humanitarian and Development Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review Protocol

The rising number of natural disasters and emergent conflicts that require coordinated international response has re-focused attention on linking relief, rehabilitation and development (LRRD). This systematic review protocol aims to inform a systematic review to identify primary operational strategies employed to link humanitarian and development interventions. This protocol is guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines and details the review scope and parameters. Findings from this review can contribute to articulation of an integrated LRRD practice framework and its potential application to resilience and related policy instruments

COVID-19 and “ageing well” for the older migrants and refugees in rural Australia : the case of Bhutanese elders in Albury, New South Wales

Purpose The purpose of this study is to highlight the challenges and opportunities for the well-being of older migrants and refugees in rural Australia by learning from the example of the Bhutanese community in Albury, New South Wales. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint focusses on health and aged care barriers that affect the well-being of older migrants and refugees in Australia. It also demonstrates how these can be intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Engagement though agriculture, and a sense of "belonging" strengthen the cultural well-being of the Bhutanese older adults in Albury. However, major issues remain as health-related resources and information are lacking in rural Australia. How this group's meaningful activities in Albury enabled collaborations to be built is shown in this working example and can provide lessons for other communities that experience similar problems of disconnection as they get older. Research limitations/implications The information regarding the Bhutanese older adults in Albury is primarily based on the authors' personal communication with the General Secretary of the Bhutanese Australian Community Support Group in Albury Wodonga Inc. Originality/value Australia's older population is growing rapidly, and older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse migrant and refugee backgrounds face numerous barriers such as limited linguistic, health and digital literacy. The authors describe common health and aged care issues that affect the well-being of older adults in rural Australia. They particularly emphasize those that occurred or intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This novel information is now especially relevant to the health and aged care sectors in changing and diverse communities not only in Australia but also overseas

Humanitarian and Developmental Research Engagement during COVID-19

Background: Floods and storms are the most common natural hazards. Communities in remote, riparian areas are the most vulnerable in such disasters, particularly when local populations lack reliable energy and early warning systems for hazard response. Our study will investigate energy and flood resilience issues in such communities and use remote methods to enable research continuity in intra and post-pandemic contexts. Methods/Design: A two-round Delphi process will be used to interview 16 participants from Nepal and Greece to understand their priorities and preferred solutions for energy and flood resilience issues. In Round One we aim to understand the current capabilities and vulnerabilities of our focus communities in these areas. In Round Two, we seek feedback on potential options that are either market-available/evidence-informed solutions or co-developed conceptual systems. Remotely deployed semi-structured interviews are the principal method for both rounds. The Round Two structured comparative review also employs choice-based conjoint analysis and SCORE analysis. Discussion: By collecting information from both professionals and non-experts, we aim to understand what options are perceived as reliable, realistic and appropriate for flood-prone communities. The remote research design enables continuity and community access to development-focused research and its outputs, and a flexible, cost-effective approach for researchers and partner organizations

The Double Bind: Care Transition Experiences of Ageing Informal Carers and People with Disability in Minority Migrant Communities

An important milestone in social care and social policy since the late 1990s is the continued opportunity for persons with disability and their parents and/or family caregivers to have longer, enjoyable quality of life. However, as family carers, informal supporters and persons with disabilities age, their needs and expectations also change. Ageing family carers, usually parents, increasingly can no longer provide the quality and intensity of support and care required for their family members with disabilities. This puts additional pressure on informal long-term care and support relationships. It also threatens the future of care, especially for ageing carers from multicultural communities –who historically and continually find access to disability and other support services challenging in Australia. The intersection of migration and ageing in Australia presents a multifaceted challenge. The phenomenon of migration has led to a growing number of older Australians from multicultural backgrounds. The combination of the demographic shift, the trend of people living longer, as well as the evolving dynamics of informal caregiving for people with disabilities resulting from the ageing process means it is now imperative to gain insights into the experiences of ageing informal disability carers (hereinafter referred to as ‘AIDC’) from multicultural backgrounds, and their family member with disabilities. Understanding their perspectives on and preparations for this significant transition into the latter years of life is of the utmost importance. This project, therefore, aimed to work with multicultural communities in collaboration with the New South Wales (NSW) peak multicultural disabled people’s organisation, the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association (MDAA), which advocates for people with disability, their families and carers in order to understand the care transition planning experiences of AIDC and their adult family members with disability. The overall goal is to use the findings of this pilot study to inform the design of an innovative multicultural care transition toolkit to support the care transition planning processes of multicultural families who provide informal disability care. There are profound uncertainties for the future of care and support for ageing carers and their adult children with disabilities in multicultural communities. The long-held assumption that these communities rely on an informal family support system is no longer tenable in the face of weakening intergenerational solidarity and the effect of acculturation into the Australian way of life of second and third-generation migrants. It is, therefore, imperative that stakeholders in multicultural disability support and care and aged care acknowledge the role of AIDC and the evolving context in which they provide care by designing tailored household interventions that support the care transition planning process for all concerned – the care and support providers within the family, and the person with disabilities who relies upon them. More importantly, there is the need for a deliberate multicultural policy response that recognises the voices, concerns, aspirations, and expectations of disability and aged caregiving in multicultural communities when designing tailored care transition services. The research recommends that disability advocacy and carer support organisations work towards strengthening and empowering ADIC and persons with disabilities to negotiate the care transition process, considering their personal cultural values, beliefs, gender, ethnoreligious, and family norms