Professor Tacisius Kabutaulaka from the Solomon Islands has been selected as one of 22 fellows in China’s Transpacific and Asian Dialogue, an initiative focused on the future of U.S.-China relations. This fellowship, hosted at the University of Pennsylvania, gathers scholars from the United States, Asia, and the Pacific to analyze the changing geopolitical landscape influenced by China’s growing reach.
In his remarks, Associate Professor Kabutaulaka expressed hopes that the initiative would translate academic discussions into actionable policies for governments and other stakeholders, enabling them to better navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by China’s ascent. “A lot of our discussions take place in academia but never make it into the policy space,” he noted, emphasizing the project’s aim to create pathways for scholarly insights to reach decision-makers.
Kabutaulaka, who is based at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, highlighted the institution’s unique position as an Asia-Pacific-facing university, which enhances its significance in global discourse. “My involvement in the project reflects not just my individual participation; it is the involvement of UH Mānoa, which gives the university and the islands we live in more prominence on the global stage,” he stated.
His expertise in international relations, Pacific Islands regionalism, and natural resource development underpins his recent analyses regarding the geopolitical competition associated with China’s enhanced role in Oceania. Through this fellowship, Professor Kabutaulaka not only contributes to academic discussions but also plays a vital role in shaping informed policies that address contemporary global issues.
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