Author: Fergus Hanson / Publishing Institution: Lowy Institute for International Policy

Author:: Fergus Hanson and Mary Fifita
Publication Date:: 04-2011
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:: What is the problem? China is now one of the Pacific\'s major donors. An analysis of its aid program in the region from 2005 to 2009 suggests it is reducing the grant component of its aid and increasing the soft loan proportion. China has pledged over $US 600 million to the Pacific since 2005 and debt burdening will become increasingly pressing as Chinese loans accumulate and the five-year grace periods expire. There appears to have been limited progress improving transparency.
Topic:: Economics and International Trade and Finance
Political Geography:: China, Asia, and Australia/Pacific

Author:: Fergus Hanson
Publication Date:: 11-2010
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:: WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) needs to keep pace with technological advancements that could increase efficiency, improve internal and external communication, and facilitate information exchange and gathering. Without e-diplomacy DFAT will be cut off from important audiences and find it increasingly hard to communicate its messages and coordinate Australian foreign policy across government.
Topic:: Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, and Science and Technology
Political Geography:: Australia/Pacific

Author:: Fergus Hanson
Publication Date:: 03-2010
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:: The relationship with Indonesia is one of Australia's most important but it is still not on a firm footing. Government-to-government ties have been strengthening but relations are focused around a mostly negative set of security-related issues. Business-to-business links are underdone and mutual public perceptions are poor. Without significant incentives to drive closer ties, one of Australia's most important relationships will continue to stagnate.
Topic:: Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, International Trade and Finance, and Bilateral Relations
Political Geography:: Asia, Australia/Pacific, and Southeast Asia

Author:: Fergus Hanson
Publication Date:: 02-2009
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:: It was as recently as 1994 that 800,000 Rwandans were systematically slaughtered and the world was reminded that genocide is still possible. July the following year it happened again, when more than 7,000 men were murdered in the Srebrenica massacre. Today, the killing continues in places like Darfur where the death toll now stands in the hundreds of thousands and the Democratic Republic of Congo where the toll stands in the millions. The crimes committed in these and the many other conflicts of recent decades – the mass killing of civilian populations, the rape of countless women and widespread use of torture – have shaken the conscience of the world.
Topic:: Crime, Government, International Cooperation, and International Affairs
Political Geography:: Australia/Pacific

Author:: Fergus Hanson
Publication Date:: 07-2009
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:: What is the problem? China lacks a coherent strategy for its aid program in the Pacific – beyond checking and reversing diplomatic recognition of Taiwan – and tends to pursue short-term objectives. China pledges aid in an erratic manner, funds projects without regard to recurring costs, and the secrecy surrounding its program obstructs development outcomes, and breeds suspicion. This short-termism has likely led China to miscalculate by over-engaging the dictatorship in Fiji. This approach is a legacy of its long-running battle with Taiwan.
Topic:: Conflict Resolution, Diplomacy, and Foreign Aid
Political Geography:: China, Asia, and Australia/Pacific

Author:: Fergus Hanson
Publication Date:: 06-2008
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:: What is the problem? China runs an opaque aid program in the Pacific that has fuelled suspicions about its motives in the region and that undermines efforts to improve accountability, governance and stability. Despite concerns about China's aid program, China and Australia share broadly similar interests in the region and Australia and other donors would gain from working with China to improve the quality of its aid and reduce its destabilising side effects. In a new Lowy Institute Policy Brief, Fergus Hanson suggests several new approaches to engaging China on its aid program.
Topic:: Humanitarian Aid
Political Geography:: China, Asia, and Australia

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