AIIA Australian Outlook Piece

Australia Needs a Comprehensive Approach to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief in the Pacific Islands

By Miranda Booth and Professor Sascha-Dominik (Dov) Bachmann

The full article is available on the Australian Outlook section of the Australian Institute of International Affairs website. Published in 2023 at the start of the year, our work emphasizes the need for Australia to adopt a comprehensive approach to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) in the Pacific Islands. It highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation, especially in the face of increasing natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

We suggest Australia should lead in preparedness and response for HADR, potentially by establishing a military-to-military coordination hub in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum. This would aid in developing regional strategies, knowledge sharing, and efficient coordination in disaster response. We call for a balanced approach, integrating both security and humanitarian concerns, to address challenges and opportunities in the region effectively.

It was a remarkable opportunity to publish with an accomplished international scholar and former Lieutenant Colonel in the German military, with operational experience in the Balkans and as an exchange officer with the US Marines. With a background in law and higher education, Sascha has worked across the USA, the Middle East, South Africa, and Europe. Joining Canberra Law School in 2019, Sascha previously held positions at Bournemouth University, University of Lincoln, and the University of Portsmouth in the UK, and were appointed Docent at the Swedish Defence University. Their interdisciplinary research focuses on Hybrid Warfare, Information Operations, Lawfare, and International Criminal Justice, contributing significantly to NATO and various defense institutions globally.