The Melanesian Spearhead Group and Pacific Regional Cooperation

Abstract

The Melanesian Spearhead Gloup (MSG) is a subregional organization in Oceania where friendly diplomatic relations, free trade, and cultural and technical exchanges are encouraged. One of its founding principles is to promote the aspirations of Melanesians under colonial servitude to political autonomy. At the same time, it is a forum by member states to drive their national interests under the auspices of subregional resolutions. Recent developments and decisions by MSG leaders provided profound insights
into the affairs of the organization and its member states. In 2010, the prime ministers of Fiji ancl Virriuatu were at loggerheads over whom to transfer the MSG chairmanship to. Consequently, the political glitch that touched the heart of the organization surfaced. In 2014, Solomon lslands and Fiji had a dispute over airline routes and conditions. In June 2015, MSG member states were divided over whether to support the West Papuan application for membership or to support Indonesia's bid to be an associate member of MSG. What ensued in the said Leaders' Summit in Honiara was controversial. This article looks at the historical evolution of MSG and developments that took place since inception, highlighting the small "wars" of the 1990s and early 2000s. External interference, major issues of concern, and major shifts in the organization's outlooks behveen 2010 and 2015 are also investigated and discussed. This article plainly argues that recent developments could result in long-term impacts on future subregional and regional initiatives. On the other hand, if properly engineered, positive avances may spring from the current efforts and decisions by the MSG.