Blue Squares on the Chessboard: The History and Geopolitics of the Pacific Islands

This week, Mike discusses the dynamic geopolitics of the Pacific Islands with Georgetown University Professor Patricia O’Brien. Mike and Patty explore the post-World War II history of this complex region, analyze recent political trends in key countries such as Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji, and explain how the Pacific Islands fit in with overall U.S. strategy in Asia. The two also touch on how U.S.-China competition impacts the region and the Biden Administration’s efforts to renegotiate the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) between the United States, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (Micronesia), and the Republic of Palau (Palau). 

Om Podcasten

The “Asia Chessboard” features in-depth conversations with the most prominent strategic thinkers on Asia. Host Michael Green, Henry A. Kissinger Chair at CSIS and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, takes the debate beyond the headlines of the day to explore the historical context and inside decision-making process on major geopolitical developments from the Himalayas to the South China Sea. Experience the hard calls and consequential debates that drive US policy towards this critical region of the world.