Transnational Crime in the Blue Pacific

Transnational crime has been a longstanding concern in the Pacific. This is reflected in the Pacific Islands Forum’s 1992 Honiara Declaration, the Boe Declaration and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.  

This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of transnational crime in the Pacific and the key mechanisms for tackling it. It draws extensively on case studies and evidence-based research.

The course considers the security, governance and developmental challenges posed by transnational organised crime. It helps participants to understand the local, national, regional and global nature of the challenge. 

The course then considers the strengths and weaknesses of the current regional architecture. It explores the role of non-state actors, such as churches and communities, which are on the frontline of combatting transnational crime. It also examines the relationship between law enforcement and national security within Forum members and the role of partners in responding to transnational crime.  

The course grapples with how transnational crime will intersect with current and emerging threats, such as climate-related events, pandemics and the nexus between transnational crime and geopolitical contests.