The Pacific may be a region comprising small island states in its near entirety, but its cultural diversity and history makes it one of the most important regions for scholars ranging from developmental politics to international relations. History continues to play a massive role in the region as nuclear politics and climate change remains two of many core challenges which have brought Pacific Island Countries closer together in its pursuit towards a better tomorrow. In recent years, with the renewal of great power strategic rivalry, the fact that Pacific Island Countries control vast swathes of the EEZ in the Pacific Ocean, accompanied by the leadership of Pacific Island Countries in nuclear and climate issues, makes Oceania a strategic location in which the people in Oceania become dominant players.
The Oceania Chapter of IAPSS aims to provide students from the region with opportunities to engage in research on political science, international relations, and Pacific studies, while fostering a community dedicated to studying development and challenges in the region. We seek to collaborate with institutions in Australasia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia to empower local students to contribute to scholarship on Pacific issues. Through our work, we aim for students and scholars from all around the world to experience and appreciate the deep history, culture, and political significance of communities in Oceania.
Singapore pursuing a B.SocSci. in Political Science. Hailing from Singapore, his research interests include small island states, comparative politics, and research methodology. Winston has served various research roles in his internships in the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), the Prime Minister’s Office (Singapore), and, recently, the International Institute of Strategic Studies-Asia. Recently, he also founded the Students for Social Inquiry (SSI), a student-led organisation in NUS aimed at supporting undergraduate research efforts. Winston, in his capacity, aims to restart the exchange of ideas in the Oceania region and facilitate the building of a regional community for research and discussion.
