‘Using examples from one Asia Pacific nation state, discuss the ways in which that state used various forms of power to pursue its perceived national interests’

Various forms of power can be used by any given country to pursue its perceived national interests. In this case, Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be examined. Although power cannot always be accurately defined it can be measured in certain dimensions. Military force can effectively assist a country to pursue its perceived national interests. However, a country such as PNG may not think it necessary to use its defence force or to have a large army. Economic might is something PNG seriously lacks but this could be seen as a ‘power of weakness’; it has been one reason for Australia’s significant financial aid and has contributed to a strong relationship between the two countries. It is said that PNG effectively uses diplomacy however its serious internal problems undermine PNG’s ability to pursue its perceived national interests.

PNG’s national goals are fairly limited. However, it wishes to promote economic development, avoid problems with Indonesia and more generally to be se...