Mr Stephen Kei1
1German-southeast Asian Centre of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance, Australia
Biography:
Stephen Kei is a researcher specialising in Asia-Pacific international relations and the geopolitics of the Pacific Islands. Holding dual master’s degrees in international relations and Asia-Pacific Affairs, his work explores the intersection of aid competition, diplomacy, and great power rivalry in the region. A native Cantonese speaker with a refugee Chinese Indonesian heritage, Stephen brings a unique perspective to his analysis of regional dynamics. His experience covers journalism, policy research, and strategic communications, including roles with the Young Diplomats Society and Asia in Review. Committed to advancing scholarly and practical understanding, he aims to bridge global policy with local agencies.
Abstract:
The intensifying great power rivalry between the United States and China exerts profound influence across the globe, including on the small island nations of the South Pacific. Amid escalating geopolitical pressures, countries in the region are increasingly compelled to navigate these tensions and align their diplomatic strategies. Nauru, a microstate with a significant historical and strategic position in the Pacific, reignited global attention by severing ties with Taiwan in early 2024. This pivotal decision raised alarms among Western powers, highlighting the fragile balance of influence in a region traditionally dominated by US allies.
This research explores how Nauru responds to the geopolitical competition between China, the United States, and their allies, using a qualitative, case study-based approach. Combining archival research, media analysis, and semi-structured interviews, the study investigates Nauru's diplomatic strategies and examines the interplay between domestic agency and external pressures. The analysis is framed by rationalist and constructivist theories, enabling a nuanced understanding of material gains and normative influences shaping Nauru's decisions.
By analysing Nauru’s role in aid competition and geopolitical manoeuvring, this study contributes to the broader understanding of Pacific Island Countries' responses to great power rivalries. It sheds light on how small states navigate aid dynamics, diplomatic recognition, and strategic partnerships in a multipolar world. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers, particularly in Taiwan and traditional donor nations, on engaging more effectively with small island states amidst shifting regional priorities and intensifying global competition.