Solomon Islands
Population
724K
GDP
$1.6B
Capital
Honiara
Government
Unitary parliamentary consti...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.6
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
5.3
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
The Solomon Islands catapulted into geopolitical prominence in 2022 when it signed a security pact with China -- the first Pacific Island state to do so -- alarming the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. This small Melanesian archipelago, site of fierce World War II battles (Guadalcanal), became the epicenter of great-power competition in the Pacific.
The country experienced ethnic violence and near state collapse in the early 2000s, requiring an Australian-led intervention (RAMSI). It switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019, followed by deepening security and economic ties with Beijing.
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As the Solomon Islands, use your position at the center of Pacific great-power competition to maximum advantage. Every major power wants your alignment -- extract development commitments from all sides.
Coordinate with the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Make climate change and sea-level rise existential priorities. Your WWII heritage (Guadalcanal) can be invoked to remind major powers of their obligations to the Pacific. Push for concrete development outcomes, not just security promises.
Foreign Policy
Solomon Islands' foreign policy under PM Manele has sought to balance its China security relationship with traditional partnerships with Australia and the US. The country's strategic location in the South Pacific, WWII history, and willingness to engage with China give it outsized diplomatic influence for its size.
Key priorities include development assistance, climate adaptation, and leveraging great-power competition for maximum benefit.