Clever people solving difficult problems - perspectives on weakness of state and nation in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The ASPI Paper argues that although the state in Papua New Guinea has become extremely weak, it has not failed or collapsed - possibly in contrast with neighbouring Solomon Islands, the subject of an earlier ASPI paper the title of which used the phrase “our failing neighbour (ASPI 2003). Poor and declining standards in delivery of basic services to the people are seen as one of the key measures of weakness. Others include corruption, increasing levels of violence, and a worsening law and order situation. The weakness is so profound that: ‘PNG has now reached the point at which its institutions are too weak themselves to undertake and sustain the kind of major reforms needed to turn the country around. If PNG is going to be strengthened, it is going to need much more help – and different kinds of help – than it has received over the past three decades. If Australia does not take the lead in offering that help, no one else will.’ (ASPI 2004:11)