Tarcisius Kabutaulaka

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
An Associate Professor in the Department of Pacific Islands Studies (DPIS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM), and former Director of the Center for Pacific Islands Studies (CPIS) (2018–2021). Editor of the Pacific Islands Monograph Series (PIMS) (2011-2024). Member of the editorial boards for PIMS and The Contemporary Pacific. The co-host and co-producer of Oceania Currentspodcast. Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and serves on MA and PhD committees at UHM and the Australian National University. Previously a research fellow at the East-West Center in Honolulu and, prior to that, a lecturer at University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Has consulted for governments and regional and international organizations on land and economic development, post-conflict rehabilitation, peace-building, governance, and regionalism. Research and publications focus on geopolitics, China in the Pacific, Pacific Islands regionalism, natural resources and economic development, and land tenure systems. Served as a chief negotiator during the 2000 Townsville Peace Talks for the Solomon Islands conflict. Maintains a strong professional network throughout Oceania.

• Started, co-host, co-produce Oceania Currents podcast
• Director, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, UHM
• Editor, Pacific Islands Monograph Series (PIMS)
• As PIMS editor, published six volumes
• Guest co-edit with Terence Wesley-Smith a special issue of Pacific Dynamics
• Co-edited with Greg Fry a book: Intervention and State-Building in the Pacific: the Legitimacy of ‘Co-operative Intervention' (Manchester University Press, 2008)
• Successfully organized conferences
• Awarded tenure, University of Hawai'i
• Chief negotiator at the Townsville Peace Talks (2000)

• English (proficient)
• Pidgin: Solomon Islands Pijin; Vanuatu Bislama; Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin(proficient)
• Tolo (mother tongue – Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands)(proficient)
• Ghari (Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands) (proficient)

Prof. Terence Wesley-Smith (emeritus)
email: twsmith@hawaii.edu

Prof. Vijay Naidu (emeritus)
email: vijaynaiudu61@gmail.com

Prof. Greg Fry (emeritus)

email: gefry1451@gmail.com

• Director, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
• Editor, Pacific Islands Monograph Series (PIMS).
• Member of the editorial boards of PIMS and The Contemporary Pacific.
• Serve on faculty job selection committees.
• Chair & serve of Department Personnel Committees.
• Member of HAPS Focus Committee, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
• Chair of MA thesis committees.
• Organizing the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICoL).
• Organize Conferences.
• Assistant Head, School of Social and Economic Development, University of the South Pacific.

GRADUATE

PACS 601: Learning Oceania
This is one of three core and required seminar courses in the MA program in Pacific Islands Studies at UHM. It introduces graduate students to key issues in the field of Pacific Studies and facilitate the development of individual research projects that meet the highest standards of academic excellence.

PACS 602: Re/Presenting Oceania

This is one of three core and required seminar courses in the MA program in Pacific Islands Studies at UHM. The course is also intended for graduate students whose programs of study include a significant Pacific Islands Studies component. It provides students with the opportunity to critically engage with and discuss how the Pacific Islands and Pacific Islanders have been represented in scholarly and popular writings and other media. It focuses particularly on why and how dominant representations have been and are being challenged, especially by Pacific Islander scholars, artists, writers, performers, poets, filmmakers, and policymakers, as well as practitioners of other critical disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches.

PACS 690/492: China in Oceania

Over the last two decades, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has become a major aid donor, trade partner, and source of investment in the Pacific Islands. This is one of the most significant developments in the region in recent times, with implications for the diplomatic priorities of Pacific Islands states, as well as the aspirations of ordinary Pacific Islanders. This course looks at the history of China’s rise, the nature of its interests in the region, as well as the response of more established external actors like the United States (US), Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and France, to Beijing’s increased regional influence.

UNDERGRADUATE

PACS 493: Moving Images in the Pacific Islands 

– With an emphasis on Oceanic aesthetics in film, art, anti-colonial storytelling.

This course is designed to be an introductory course with respect to the study of film and filmmaking in the contemporary Pacific.

PACS 302: Contemporary Issues in Oceania

This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to analyze some of the critical issues facing Pacific Islands societies today, paying particular attention to the continuing process of decolonization, and the impact of globalization on economic development and human welfare in the region. This course treats Hawai`i as an integral part of the Pacific Islands region, and a central point of reference for discussion of major topics. It emphasizes indigenous experiences, voices, and perspectives, and seeks to foster multicultural respect and understanding.

PACS 201: Islands of Globalization

This course examines the nature, dimensions, and impacts of globalization on Pacific Island places, societies, and peoples. It pays particular attention to Pacific Islander perspectives and how they engage with globalization and assert themselves in the global arena. This course aims to provide students with the opportunity to engage with broader issues about globalization, as well as insights into specific experiences of Oceania.

PACS 120: Politics and Poetics of Climate Change

This course introduces students to the causes and impacts of climate change in the Pacific Islands and the responses at different levels, from the global to the community level. It provides students with the opportunity to examine climate change through interdisciplinary approaches: natural sciences, politics, economics, legal, cultural and creative/artistic dimensions. It also gives students the opportunity to discuss climate change as a global issue.

PACS 108: Pacific Worlds: Introduction to Pacific Islands Studies

This course will introduce you to Pacific Islands Studies and provide a survey of the geography, peoples, societies, histories, cultures, contemporary issues and arts of the Pacific Islands region – including Hawaiʻi – which is also known as Oceania. It combines lectures, readings and talanoa/tok stori/discussions that emphasize Pacific Islander perspectives and experiences. Students learn concepts that draw upon a wealth of knowledge and experiences across the region, familiarizing them with the connections, similarities and differences among the Pacific Islands and Islanders.

Books

• (2017) with Jackie Leota-Ete, Kealalõkahi Loch, Fleur Enchante Palmer, Damon Salesa, Hiagi Wesley, Terence Wesley-Smith, Sarah Wongking, Health and Environment in the Pacific, Vol. 3, Teaching Oceania Series, iBook, Honolulu: Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiʻi, https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/46004.

• (2008) with Greg Fry (eds.), Intervention and State-Building in the Pacific: the Legitimacy of ‘Co-operative Intervention', Manchester: Manchester University Press.

• (2002) Footprints in the Tasimauri Sea: A biography of Dominiko Alebua, Suva: Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific.

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

• (2025, November) (with Terence Wesley-Smith) Introduction: Changing geopolitics in Oceania. Pacific Dynamics: Journal of Interdisciplinary Research. Volume 9, Issue 3, Special Issue, “Changing geopolitics in Oceania”: 1409-1412.

• (2025, November) Indonesia’s ‘Pacific Elevation’ in Oceania’s crisscrossing geopolitical currents. Pacific Dynamics: Journal of Interdisciplinary Research. Volume 9, Issue 3, Special Issue, “Changing geopolitics in Oceania”: 1534-1550.

• (2021)China’s ‘COVID-19 Diplomacy’ and Geopolitics in Oceania. Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, 22(2): 254-261.

• (2020) COVID-19 and Re-Storying Economic Development in Oceania. Oceania (special issue on Oceanic Societies in COVID-19), 90(1): 47-52.

• (2020) Responses to John Blaxland's ʻDeveloping a Grand Impact for the Pacific'”. Correspondence. Australian Foreign Affairs.

• (2019) Land Groups, Land Registration and Economic Development Projects on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Pacific Studies, 42(3): 107-138.

• (2015) Re-Presenting Melanesia: Ignoble Savages and Melanesian Alter-Natives. The Contemporary Pacific, 27(1): 110-145.

• (2013) (with Terence Wesley-Smith and Gerard Finin). An Interview with Oscar Temaru. The Contemporary Pacific, 25(2): 300-307.

• (2005) Australian Foreign Policy and the RAMSI Intervention in Solomon Islands. The Contemporary Pacific, 17(2): 283-308.

• (2000) (with Katerina Teaiwa). Personalizing Pacific Studies: Strategy for Imagining Oceania & Surfing Our Sea of Islands: The Politics of Imagination. In SPAN, Journal of South Pacific Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies, Nos. 50/51, April & October 2000, pp. 14-46.

• (1995) (with R. Grynberg). The Political Economy of Melanesian Trade Integration. Pacific Economic Bulletin. 10(2): 48-60.

• (1993) The Bougainville Crisis - The Provincial System of Government: A problem to the Solution. Review, 13(20): 25-38.

• (1990) A Sociopolitical Movement: the Moro Movement of Guadalcanal. O'O Journal, Vol.2, No.15, 1990, pp.19-24.

Book Chapters

• (2021) Mapping the Blue Pacific in a Changing Regional Order. In The China Alternative: Changing Regional Order in the Pacific Islands, edited by Graeme Smith and Terence Wesley-Smith. ANU Press, Canberra. pp. 41-69.

• (2016) China and Natural Resource Development in Oceania: Feeding the Dragon. In China and the Pacific: The view from Oceania, edited by Michael Powles. Victoria University Press, Wellington.

• (2015) Tuhu Vera: My journeys, routes, places and identities. In Oceanian Journeys and Sojourns: Home Thoughts Abroad,edited by Judith Bennett. Otago University Press, Dunedin. pp. 192-219.

• (2010) Milking the Dragon in Solomon Islands. In China in Oceania: Reshaping the Pacific?edited by Terence Wesley-Smith and Edgar Porter. Berghahn Books, New York. pp.133-150.

• (2008) Westminster Meets Solomons in Honiara Riots. In Elections and Violence in Solomon Islands, edited by Stewart Firth and Sinclair Dinnen. Asia-Pacific Press, Canberra.

• (2006) Global Capital and Local Ownership in Solomon Islands’ Forestry Industry. In Globalisation and Governance in the Pacific, edited by Stewart Firth. Pandanus Books, Canberra.

• (2006) Parties, Constitutional Engineering and Governance in Solomon Islands. In Political Parties in the Pacific Islands, edited by Roland Rich. Australian National University Press, Canberra.

• (2005) Crowded Stage: Actors, Actions and Issues in Post-conflict Solomon Islands. In Securing a Peaceful Pacific, edited by John Henderson and Greg Watson. University of Canterbury Press, Christchurch, New Zealand.

• (2002) (with Sandra Tarte). Rethinking South Pacific Security: Fiji and Solomon Islands. In The Unraveling of Island Asia? Governmental, Communal, and Regional Instability, edited by Bruce Vaughan. Praeger Publishers, Westport, Connecticut. pp. 61-82.

• (2000) Rumble in the Jungle: land, culture and (un)sustainable logging Solomon Islands. In Culture and Sustainable Development in the Pacific, edited by Anthony Hooper. National Centre for Development Studies, Canberra. pp.88-97.

• (1997) Deforestation and Politics in Solomon Islands. In Governance and Reform in the South Pacific, edited by Peter Larmour. National Centre for Development Studies, Canberra. pp.117-145.

• (1997) I am not a Stupid Native: Decolonizing images and imagination in Solomon Islands. In Emerging from Empire? Decolonisation in the Pacific, edited by Donald Denoon. Division of Pacific and Asian History, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University.

• (1997) Political siege in Papua New Guinea and the role of the Military in Melanesia. In Challenging the State: The Sandline Affair in Papua New Guinea, edited by Sinclair Dinnen, Ron May and Anthony J. Regan. National Centre for Development Studies and Department of Political and Social Change, ANU. pp.129-35.

• (1996) Thy Will Be Done on Earth: Dominiko Alebua and Cathechism on Guadalcanal. In The Covenant Makers: Islander Missionaries in the Pacific, edited by A. Thornley and Doug Munro. Pacific Theological College in association with IPS, USP, Suva. pp. 276-289.

• (1994) Cohesion and Disorder in Melanesia: The Bougainville Conflict & the Melanesian Way. In New Politics In the South Pacific, edited by Ron Crocombe and Peter Larmour. IPS and Pacific Islands Political Studies Association, Suva. pp.63-82.

• (1993) The Bigness of our Smallness. In A New Oceania: Rediscovering Our Sea Of Islands, edited by Eric Waddell, Vijay Naidu, Epeli Hau'ofa. SSED, USP and Beake House, Suva. Pp. 91-93.

Op-eds

• (2026, May 19) ‘Change is Coming’: Wale promises Solomon Islands. DevPolicyBlog. Development Policy Centre, Crawford School, ANU, Canberra.
  - Republished in the Islands Business (May 19, 2026), Fiji Times (May 26, 2026), and In-Depth Solomons (May 19, 2026).

• (2025, July 21) (with Sione Tekiteki) Between Partnership and Primacy: Australia’s Diplomatic Posture in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Diplomat.

• (2024, December 20) Trump’s relations with the Blue Pacific. TheInterpreter. Lowy Institute, Sydney, Australia.

      - Republished in Pacific Media Network (PMN), (January 19, 2025).

• (2024, June 2) (with Tammy Tabe). FestPAC: Protecting Oceania and Charting Future Voyages. Honolulu Civil Beat.

• (2024, May 27) Manele’s leadership in Solomon Islands: opportunities and challenges. DevPolicyBlog. Development Policy Centre, Crawford School, ANU, Canberra.

      - Republish in Islands Business (May 27, 2024).

• (2024, February 13) (with Henryk Szadziewski, Daria Impiombato, Graeme Smith). How PRC companies influence diplomatic switches from Taiwan in the Pacific. Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). Sydney, Australia.

• (2023, July 25) Geopolitical competition and Solomon Islands: navigating the middle ground. DevPolicyBlog. Development Policy Centre, Crawford School, ANU, Canberra.
  - Republished in Islands Business (July 25, 2023)and Solomon Times (July 26, 2023)

• (2022, December 2). China-Solomon Islands Security Agreement and Competition for Influence in Oceania. Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington DC.

• (2022, November 10) War Games, UXO and Tragedies in the Solomon Islands. Honolulu Civil Beat.

• (2022, October 13) (with Dorothy Wickham, Dean Wickham, Hunhak Matt Gale and Debra McDougall). Real partnership with Solomon Islands must be based on truth. Pursuit. University of Melbourne, Australia.

• (2022, September 29) Geopolitical competition and the ‘U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit’. China Global Television Network (CGTN).

• (2022, July 3) (with Greg Fry and Terence Wesley-Smith). ‘Partners in the Blue Pacific’ initiative rides roughshod over establish regional process. DevPolicy Blog. Development Policy Centre, Crawford School, ANU, Canberra.
  - Republished in Islands Business (July 8, 2022)

• (2022, March 31) Solomon Islands asserts its sovereignty – with China and the West. TheInterpreter. Lowy Institute, Sydney, Australia.

• (2021, March 25) Pacific Way(s) and Regionalism. DevePolicy Blog. Development Policy Centre, Crawford School, ANU, Canberra.

• (2020, January 13) Indonesia’s ‘Pacific Elevation’: Elevating what and who?. Griffith Asia Insights. Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.

• (2020, June 14) The desecration of Oceania’s sacred place of learning. Asia Pacific Report. Independent news and analysis. Auckland, New Zealand.

• (2019, August 21) (with Katerina Teaiwa). Climate, Coal, Kinship and Security in Australia-Pacific Relations. Australian Outlook. Australian Institute of International Affairs, Canberra.

• (2019, August 18) (with Terence Wesley-Smith). New Cold War: China’s surge in the Pacific Islands must be addressed by the US, Hawaii. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

• (2019, May 30) Logging bonanza hasn’t helped Solomon Islands landowners. Asia Pacific Report. Independent news and analysis. Auckland, New Zealand.

• (2018, September 12) China, the Pacific Islands and the West’s double standards. Fiji Sun.

• (2016, March 28) Don’t be bullied: Indonesia is not Melanesia. Asia Pacific Report. Independent news and analysis. Auckland, New Zealand.

• (2015, June 17) MSG, West Papua not it’s down to the wire. Fiji Sun.

• (2014, April 8) Solomon Islands Flash Flood Disaster – the Politics of Relief. Pacific Media Centre. Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

• (2012, June 29) Tough Struggle for People of Tasimauri to Win their Deserved Hospital. Pacific Media Centre. Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

• (2010, July 31) Stripping Away the Solomon Islands ‘Bottom-Up’ Election Rhetoric. Pacific Media Center. Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

• (2007, January 10) Fiji Coup: Things Fall Apart. Pacific Islands Report. Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center.

• (2006, April 20) Seeking Answers in the Ashes of Honiara. Pacific Islands Report. Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center.

• (2003, August 7) Learning Solomon Islands Tap Dance. Pacific Islands Report. Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center.

• (2003, June 24) Two Ways to Boil a Frog. Pacific Islands Report. Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center.

• (2003, June 20) Howard Hears Solomons Drumbeat. Pacific Islands Report. Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center.

• (2003, December 15) Oceania’s Insecurities. Pacific Islands Report. Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center.

• (2003, October 1) Kemakeza is RAMSI’s Next Big Thing. Pacific Magazine.

• (2002, September 1) Unfinished Business. Pacific Magazine.
• 1996–2000 – Columnist, Islands Business, Suva: Islands Business International.

• (1997) Corporal Punishment in Schools: violence, kastom and education in Solomon Islands." Panatina Forum, December 1997, 2(3): 35-38.

Policy Papers

• (2004) ‘Failed State’ and the War on Terror: Intervention in Solomon Islands. AsiaPacific Issues, No. 72, (March), East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawai'i.

• (2002) Weak State and the Peace Process in Solomon Islands. East-West Center Working Paper No. 14, East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawai'i.

• (2001) Beyond Ethnicity: the political economy of the Guadalcanal crisis in Solomon Islands. State Society and Governance in Melanesia Working Paper 01/1, Australian National University, Canberra.

Reports

• (2017) “Prioritizing the Recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Learning from the Past, Charting Peaceful Futures.” Action Plan 2017–2020”. A consultancy report for the Office of the Prime Minister, Solomon Islands Government.

• (2017) “Customary Land Reforms in Solomon Islands: Paths on Contested Grounds.” A consultancy report for the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, Solomon Islands Government.

• (2013) (with Ponipate Rokolekutu, “Review of the Role and Dynamics of Land-related Politics and Political Parties in Conflict and Conflict Escalation in the Pacific Islands.” A report to the Pacific Islands Forum, Land Management and Conflict Minimization Project. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/21026681/consultation-report-pacific-islands-forum-secretariat

• (2013, March) (with Peter Bazeley and Rosalind David), Solomon Islands –Australia Partnership for Development, Independent Performance Assessment Panel, “Assessment for 2012: Final Report.”

• (2012, March 28) (with Sue Emmot and Manu Barcham) Independent Experts Team, “Annual Performance Report 2011: a Report on the Performance of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.”

• (2011, March 21) (with Sue Emmot and Manu Barcham) Independent Experts Team, “Annual Performance Report 2010: a Report on the Performance of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.”

• (2010, March 20) (with Sue Emmot and Manu Barcham) Independent Experts Team, “Annual Performance Report 2009: a Report on the Performance of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.” Independent Experts Team.

• (1998) “Pacific Islands Stakeholder Participation in Development: Solomon Islands.” A Report for the World Bank, Washington: World Bank Pacific Facility.

Book Reviews

• (2020) McDougall, Debra (2016). Engaging with Strangers: Love and Violence in Rural Solomon Islands, New York and Oxford: Berghahn Books.

• (2009) Brown, Anne M. (ed.) (2007). Security and Development in the Pacific Islands: Social Resilience in Emerging States. Reviewed in The Contemporary Pacific, 21 (1): 194-197.

• (2008) Treadaway, Julian (2007). Dancing and Dying on Solomons' Distant Tikopia. Suva, Fiji: IPS, USP. Reviewed in Pacific Islands Report, February 26, 2008. http://www.pireport.org/articles /2008/02 /26/dancing-and-dying-solomons %E2%80%99- distant-tikopia

• (2005) Bennett, Judith (2000). Pacific Forest: a history of resource control and contest in Solomon Islands, 1800–1997, Knapwell, UK: Leiden. Reviewed in Journal of Pacific Studies, Vol. 8: 97-100.

Political Reviews

• (2007) “Solomon Islands – Political Review.” The Contemporary Pacific, 19 (2): 597-605.

• (2006) “Solomon Islands – Political Review.” The Contemporary Pacific, 18 (2): 423-430.

• (2004) “Solomon Islands – Political Review.” The Contemporary Pacific, 16 (2): 393-401.

• (1999) “Solomon Islands – Political Review.” The Contemporary Pacific, 11 (2): 443-49.

• (1997) “Solomon Islands – Political Review.” The Contemporary Pacific, 9 (2): 487-97.

Creative Writing/Performance

• (2016) Footprints. (spoken word). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a3_ph6VKU8

• (2016) Kidnapped. (spoken word). https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VZRlPXKuc-I

• (2013) Pacific Prayer (poem). Storyboard: A journal of Pacific Imagery, vol. 13. Published by the Division of English & Applied Linguistics in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Science, University of Guam, p.1.

• (2013) Christmas for Sale. (short story). Storyboard: A journal of Pacific Imagery, vol. 13. Published by the Division of English & Applied Linguistics in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Science, University of Guam, pp.21-22.

• (2013) Till Debt do us Part. (short story). Storyboard: A journal of Pacific Imagery, vol. 13. Published by the Division of English & Applied Linguistics in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Science, University of Guam, p.52-60.

• (2011) Swine Flew (poem). Rorongo: A magazine of the Solomon Islands Creative Writers Association. Published jointly with the Curriculum Development Division, p.45.

• (2011) Fables in a Bubble (poem). Rorongo: A magazine of the Solomon Islands Creative Writers Association. Published jointly with the Curriculum Development Division, p.58.

• (2002) Stitching the Solomons Together Again. A musical drama performed at the University of the South Pacific Open Day, November 2002. (author, producer & director).

• (2001) Poems: “Family Tree” & “Dear Uncle Legislature”. In Robert Nicole (ed.), Niu Waves: Contemporary Writing from Oceania. Pacific Writing Forum & Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture, Suva. pp.63 & 129.

• (2001) A Search for Myself in the Sacred Duty of Writing. In In Robert Nicole (ed.), Niu Waves: Contemporary Writing from Oceania. Pacific Writing Forum & Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture, Suva. pp. 145-146.

• (1994) Moce Simi. In Mana. ASouth Pacific Journal of Language and Literature. Vol.10, No.2, 1994.

• Episode 16: (2026, February 24). “Hawaii Triennial 2025: “Aloha Nō.”” Guests: Noelle Kahanu, Gisela McDaniel, John Pule, Brandy Nālani McDougal.

• Episode 15: (2025, August 5). “The Blue Pacific: A Narrative for Pacific Regionalism.” Guests: Dame Meg Taylor, Sione Tekiteki

• Episode 14: (2025, April 29). “Guåhan in FestPAC: Renewing Ancestral Connections.” Guests: Eva Aguon Cruz (guest host), Leonard Iriarte, Julie “Mama Jill” Benavente

• Episode 13: (2025, April 15). “Geopolitics in Oceania: Pacific Islands’ Security in an Era of Great Power Competition.” Guests: Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, Nic Maclellan

• Episode 12: (2025, April 1). “Nuclear Testing in the Pacific: Truth-telling and Collective Memory.” Guests: Nic Maclellan, Mililani Ganivet, Marie-Helene Villierme

• Episode 11: (2024, February 8). “Oceania Currents – coming soon”e West Papua Campaign.” Guests: Raki Ap, Koteka Wenda

• Episode 10: (2024, July 16). “Poetry and Climate Activism with Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner.” Guest: Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, Poem: Carol Ann Carl, Taylor Bungelkelau Vitarelli

• Episode 9: (2024, June 5). “Oral History in the Pacific, Part 2: Reclaiming Stories for Collective Futures.” Guests: Nepia Mahuika, Davianna Pomaikaʻi, Ty Kāwika Tengan

• Episode 8: (2024, June 4). “Oral History in the Pacific, Part 1: Storytelling in Aotearoa and Hawaiʻi." Guests: Nepia Mahuika, Davianna Pomaikaʻi, Ty Kāwika Tengan

• Episode 7: (2024, May 21). “Pacific Stories on Stage: “Nothing Micro About Micronesia.”” Guests: Ova Saopeng, Kathy Martin, Kealaula Faifili

• Episode 6: (2024, May 7). “Pacific Stories in Film: The International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival (FIFO).” Guests: Heretu Tetahiotupa, Miriama Bono, Hetereki Huke

• Episode 5: (2024, March 26). “Rotuman Identity Through Stroyliving, Part 3: Reconnecting in Diaspora.” Guests: John Taukave (guest host), Jon Kafoa

• Episode 4: (2024, March 26). “Rotuman Identity Through Stroyliving, Part 2: Music in Rotuma.” Guests: John Taukave (guest host), Jon Kafoa

• Episode 3: (2024, March 26). “Rotuman Identity Through Stroyliving, Part 1: Life in Rotuma.” Guests: John Taukave (guest host), Jon Kafoa

• Bonus Episode: (2024, March 19). “Project Banaba with Katerina Teaiwa.” Guest: Katerina Teaiwa

• Episode 2: (2024, March 12). “Home Currents, Part 2: Pacific Islands Studies on the Move.” Guests: Terence Wesley-Smith, Katerina Teaiwa, Alexander Mawyer

• Episode 1: (2024, February 27). “Home Currents, Part 1: The Center for Pacific Islands Studies.” Guests: Terence Wesley-Smith, Katerina Teaiwa, Alexander Mawyer

• Introduction: (2024, February 8). “Oceania Currents – coming soon”

• (2005, December 6) (with Dr. Tammy Tabe joint address). Keynote Speakers at the Pacific & Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) Global Vision Summit on the theme “Pacific AI: Navigating Culture & Climate.” Campus Center Ballroom, UH Mānoa, 10:00 am.

• (2005, December 3). A panelist at the America-Australia Leadership Dialogue (AALD). “Pacific Session.” Asia Room, Imin Center, East-West Center. On the panel with Richard Marles (Australia Minister of Defence) and Celeste Connors (EWC President).

• (2005, December 1) (with Dr. Tammy Tabe). Presented to the Pacific Forum’s Asia-Pacific Affair Leadership Program (APAL) participants. 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 1150, Honolulu, HI 96813.

• (2025, June 24). A panelist on Transparency International New Zealand’s “From the Pacific Shores to the Bay of Bengal” Webinar. This panel’s topic was, “Guardians of Moana and Land: Indigenous Governance for Pacific Sustainability.” Panel includes, Fenton Lutunatabua (Pacific Climate Advocate & Facilitator, Fiji), Alisi Rabukawaqa (Fiji), Mellicant Barty (Kastom Keeper, Solomon Islands).

• (2025, June 20). A Keynote Speaker to the Pazifik-Netzwerk and Pazifik-Infostelle (Germany) in cooperation with the Austrian South Pacific Society Conference, with the theme, “A new era, in the Pacific too!? Is a revival of the movement for a nuclear-free and independent Pacific required?” My presentation was titled, “Increasing geopolitical competition in the Pacific Ocean: External powers aiming to gain more influence among the island states.” Neudettelsau, Germany. June 20-22. (I presented online via zoom).

• (2022, December 7) “New Old Theatres: Strategic Focus on the Pacific Islands.” A panel discussion for the Maritime Security Challenges Conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obS0nt0BEtc

• (2022, October 7) “The Biden Administration’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and its Implications” (Inter-regional Dialogue). A panel discussion organized by the Center for Chinese Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

• (2022, September 19) “Climate and Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific.” A seminar organized by the Carnegie Endowment and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, New York.

• (2022, September 8) “China and Geopolitics in Oceania.” East-West Center Insight: China Seminar. https://www.eastwestcenter.org/events/ewc-insights-china-seminar-ft-dr-tarcisius-kabutaulaka

• (2022, June 28). Hawaii Triennial, “Navigating the In-Between: Oceania in the Pacific Century.” On a panel with Prof. Dr. Homi K. Bhabha (The Anne F. Rothenberg Professor of English and American Literature and chair of the Program in History and Literature at Harvard University). Other panelist include, Jaimey Hamilton Faris (UHM, Art History Department; ku‘ualoha ho‘omanawanui (UHM, English Department; Craig Santos Perez (UHM, English Department). Panel chaired by Alexander Mawyer (UHM, CPIS).

• (2022, June 23). “What is the Blue Pacific Narrative?” Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), “The Drum”.

• (2022, June 21) “The China Alternative: Panel Discussion”. This was organized at the Australian National University as part of the book launch of The China Alternative: Changing Regional Order in the Pacific Islands, edited by Graeme Smith and Terence Wesley-Smith,.

• (2021, August 18) “Strategic Trends in the Pacific Islands Region.” A presentation to the Maritime Security Challenges Conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKrZwGKhaMY

• (2021, July 29) “What is happening to democracy in Melanesia? Introducing the Global State of Democrary Indices.” Organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). https://www.idea.int/news-media/events/what’s-happening-democracy-melanesia-introducing-global-state-democracy-indices-0

• (2020, October 21) “COVID-19 Response in the Pacific.” A panel discussion organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

• (2020, October 21) “Pacific Histories”. Engaged Scholarships in the Asia-Pacific. UCLA Asia Pacific Center https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9zsgPcYSSIalso https://www.international.ucla.edu/apc/article/230088

• (2026, June 3). Radio New Zealand, “Solomon Islands PM to meet Anthony Albanese for ‘pivotal’ high-level talks in Canberra”
• (2026, May 26). PACNEWS, ‘Pacific is watching’: The Solomon Islands leadership change draws regional focus.”
• (2026, May 20). Solomon Star, “I resign from LSL and RIPEL.”
• (2026, January 19). Islands Business, “Solomons academic joins China debate.”
• (2026, January 18). In-Depth Solomons, “Solomon Islander Professor Tarcisius Appointed Fellow in U.S.-China Relations Initiative.”
• (2025, August 31). Solomon Star, “SI parliament charts course for regional unity at historic PPC.”
• (2025, January 22). ABC News, “Climate change and China will define US relations with Pacific Islands under Donald Trump, security experts say.”
• (2024, November 6). ABC – Pacific Beat, “Fears of US disengagement from Pacific following Donald Trump’s victory.”
• (2024, July 11). Taipei Times, “Mapped: the vast network of security deals spanning the Pacific, and what it means.”
• (2024, July 8). The Guardian, “Mapped: the vast network of security deals spanning the Pacific, and what it means.”
• (2024, April 16). Al Jazeera, “Solomon Islands prepares for ‘most important election since independence.’”
• (2023, December 4). Sydney Morning Herald, “China’s Solomon Islands investment is winning hearts and minds.”
• (2023, December 3). Sydney Morning Herald, “A country three hours away from Australia is the next frontier of China’s ambitions.”
• (2023, July 25). Islands Business, “Geopolitical competition and Solomon Islands: navigating the middle ground.”
• (2023, July 14). NPR/HPR, “The leader of the Solomon Islands visited Beijing.”
• (2023, May 24). Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) News, “Leaked documents pose negotiation challenges for Pacific.”
• (2023, May 22). Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) News, “Spying in the Pacific not new: Professor Kabutaulaka.”
• (2023, May 7). Pacific Island Times, “The mending of Pacific unity restores regionalism, but Guam remains excluded.”
• (2023, May 4). ABC News, “Should the ADF Recruit Pacific Islanders?”
• (2023, March 13). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “‘We are witnessing political warfare’: Micronesia leader drops China bombshell.”
• (2023, January 5). Samoa Observer, “How to interpret 2022: Solomon Island strikes a deal”
• (2022, October 22). The Fiji Times, “Guam’s desire to join PIF” by Mariana Faa.
• (2022, October 17). Pou Tiaki, “Experts wary of Guam’s desire to join the Pacific Islands Forum,” by Christine Rovoi.
• (2022, October 11). ABC News – Pacific Beat, “This island territory wants a seat at the Pacific’s ‘top table’. But who is pulling strings?
• (2022, October 5, 2022). ABC News, “Pacific Islands Backed a partnership with the US, but China unlikely to be deterred in push for influence.”
• (2022, September 29). Al Jazeera, “Red carpet rolled out in US bid to woo Pacific Islands from China.”
• (2022, September 18). Honolulu Civil Beat, “Pacific leaders hope Washington embraces their priorities at first-ever DC summit.”
• (2022, August 11). The Washington Post, “China’s growing reach is transforming a Pacific Island chain.”
• (2022, July 15). The Guardian, “The seas are rising on Pacific Islands nations – but so is their powerful resistance” – by Ellen Fanning
• (2022, June 23). ABC News (Australia) – The Drum, “What is the ‘Blue Pacific’ narrative?”
• (2022, June 15). ABC– Pacific Beat, “Wong heads to Honiara in a bid to strengthen Australia-Solomons relations.”
• (2022, June 6). CNN, “Why the sparsely-populated South Pacific islands have become the next US-China contest,” by Simone McCarthy.
• (2022, June 2). Voice of America (VOA) , “China’s End Game for South Pacific and Why it Matters Now,” by Ralph Jennings.
• (2022, June 1). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “What does Wang Yiʻs Pacific tour mean to the Pacific?”
• (2022, May 31). Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), “Fiji in dominant position says political academic.”
• (2022, May 25). Pacific Ventury, “Canberra camber à guache – Dr Tarcisius Kabutaulaka.
• (2022, May 14). ABC – Rear Vision, “Trouble in the ʻfamily’ – Australia’s relationship with its Pacific neighbors.”
• (2022, May 5). Hawaiʻi Public Radio (HPR), “Security talks between China and Solomon Islands are causing tensions with Australia, U.S.”
• (2022, April 28). National Public Radio (NPR), “Leaked draft of an agreement between China and the Solomon Islands has U.S. concerned.”
• (2022, April 22). Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) News, “A discussion of Solomon Island’s security treaty with China.”
• (2022, April 22). Solomon Times, “US delegation lands in Honiara,” by Samson Sade.
• (2022, April 21). CNN, “Why Australia and the US care so much about China’s security pact with a tiny Pacific Island nation,” by Julia Hollingsworth.
• (2022, April 20). TIME Magazine, “An Archipelago in the South Pacific Is Becoming the Newest Scene of Tensions Between China and the U.S.”
• (2022, April 20). ABC– Pacific Beat, “Other Pacific nations have security deals with China, so why is the agreement with Solomon Islands causing concern?”
• (2022, April 19). ABC News, “Chinese influence in Solomon Islands a ‘concern’ for Australia says political scientist.”
• (2022, April 6). ABC– Radio National, “Solomons continues to plan China security pact.”
• (2022, April 6). ABC– Pacific Beat, “Why is Australia so concerned about China's planned security agreement with Solomon Islands?” by Rhiannon Stevens.
• (2022, February 15). ABC Pacific – Wantok (Tok Pisin). Interview on the proposed U.S. Embassy in Solomon Islands.
• (2021, December 1). Solomon Times, “Cease in violence an opportunity for dialogue,” by Samson Sade.
• (2021, November 30). ABC – Pacific Beat, “Australia defends its latest involvement in Solomon Islands, as leading political analyst calls for greater understanding.”
• (2021, August 29). Honolulu Civil Beat, “Kava: The Pacific’s economic ‘diamond’ is being coveted by competitors.”
• (2021, August 17). ABC Pacific – Wantok (Tok Pisin). Interview on the Afghanistan War.
• (2021, March 29). The Fiji Times, “Pacific Way(s) and Regionalism – justifiably unhappy.”
• (2021, February 29). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Pacific Forum split could cost region’s global role.”
• (2021, February 11). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Connections between Pacific peoples may yet save the Forum.”
• (2021, January 19). ABC Pacific – Wantok (Tok Pisin). Interview on Pacific Islands regionalism – Election of the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum.
• (2020, November 17). Samoan Observer, “Biden a boost for climate, Pacific, says political scientist.”
• (2020, November 10). Radio New Zealand – International, “What does the US Presidential election result mean for the Pacific?”
• (2020, November 10). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Positive reactions to president-elect Joe Biden’s victory.”
• (2020, September 24). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “China’s grant to Solomons could signal change aid approach.”
• (2020, August 27).Griffith Asia Insight, “China’s footprint in the Pacific.”
• (2020, June 10). ABC Pacific – Wantok (Tok Pisin). Interview on the leadership crisis at the University of the South Pacific.
• (2019, September 23). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Unease in Solomon Islands over Taiwan switch.”
• (2019, September 18). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Solomon Islands yet to confirm China as partner.”
• (2019, September 11). ABC Pacific – Wantok (Tok Pisin). Interview on Tongan Politics – Election of Akilisi Pohiva as Prime Minister of Tonga.
• (2019, June 13). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Solomons academic calls for caution over Taiwan-China decision.”
• (2019, June 12). ABC Pacific – Wantok (Tok Pisin). Interview on Solomon Islands choice on its relationship with Taiwan and China.
• (2019, April 17). Radio New Zealand – International, “Comments by Solomons politicians worrying – academic.”
• (2019, March 11). ABC Pacific – Wantok (Tok Pisin), Interview on Australia-Pacific Islands relations – Visa access.
• (2018, October 23). The Fiji Times, “West Papua’s suppression is a fraudulent process facilitated by the UN.”
• (2018, October 2). Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) , “‘Be consistent or we lose credibility.’ Dr. Kabutaulaka.”
• (2018, July 28). ABC – Rear Vision, “The Pacific Ocean: The unsleeping eye of the earth.”
• (2018, March 22). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Indonesia not in MSG to undermine West Papua freedom push.”
• (2018, March 21). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Letting Indonesia join the MSG was a mistake – academic.”
• (2016, February 1). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Solomon Islanders flag alternative Aussie standard.”
• (2015, December 14). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “‘We will be ready for RAMSI’s exist’ says Solomons police chief.”
• (2015, June 27). The Fiji Times, “Decision Disappoints.”
• (2015, June 26). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “MSG decision disappointing, says academic.”
• (2015, June 17). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Academic says future of MSG hinges on West Papua.”
• (2015, June 16). Tasmanian Times, “West Papua: MSG’s challenge, Indonesia’s Melanesian foray.”
• (2014, September 25). Radio New Zealand – Dateline, “Solomons elections: new lists, new laws, same old habits.”
• (2014, August 4). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Solomons MPs preoccupied with developments funds, says academic.”
• (2014, July 19). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Concerns over Solomons police re-arming.”
• (2013, December 5). ABC News, “Nelson Mandela’s significant influence in the Pacific.”
• (2013, September 5). Radio New Zealand. “Call for transparency around Solomons government trips.”
• (2013, September 5). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Call for march on Solomon Islands parliament.”
• (2013, August 5). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “Solomons academic asks whether country can afford RAMSI legacy.”
• (2013, July 25). World Bank Praxis Discussion Series. “Conflict and ‘Transition’”
• (2013, April 17). ABC News, “The establishment of a Solomon Islands National University.
• (2013, May 7). Solomon Times, “Pressure group should have used the courts.”
• (2013, May 1). Radio New Zealand, “Solomons academic says deals needed for new university.”
• (2013, April 29). Radio New Zealand – Pacific, “First university in Solomons cheaper option than study abroad – academics.”
• (2013, April 29). Radio New Zealand, “New Solomons university will need attractive packages – academic.”
• (2011, February 3). Radio New Zealand, “Solomons’ regional assistance mission under independent review.”
• (2011, January 4.). World Bank Praxis Discussion Series. “Intervention in Conflict Settings.”
• (2010, July 28). Radio New Zealand, “Solomons’ academic calls for changes in development fund distribution.”
• (2010, July 28). Radio New Zealand, “Promises for rural development by Solomons’ politicians may not bear fruit.”
• (2009, April 28). Radio New Zealand, “Archbishop Tutu arrives in Honiara for Solomons Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”
• (2008, December 8). Radio New Zealand, “Call for submissions on Solomons land dispute bill.”
• (2007, January 10). Radio New Zealand, “Hawaii academic says Moti affair harming Solomon Islanders.”
• (2007, January 8). Radio New Zealand, “Hawaii think tank assess Solomons row with Australia.”
• (2004, June 15). Radio New Zealand, “Solomon Island academic tells workshop corruption and maladministration is rife.”
• (2004, May 4). Radio New Zealand, “RAMSI engaging ordinary people over rebuilding of Solomon Islands.”
• (2004, April 28). Radio New Zealand, “Call for Solomon Islands do develop its own forward strategy.”