Politics and Nature of the State

Description 

1. Driman (dream): the significance of the Bougainvillean referendum
2. Gavman blo mipela (our government): the context and origins of Bougainvillean nationalism.
3. Kraisis na bel isi (crisis and peace): the Bougainville Conflict and peace process
4. Otonamas i stap pinis (autonomy is here): Autonomous Bougainville Government
5. Vot blo yumi (our vote): the referendum, its administration and politics
6. Bruklus? (Indepence?): challenges of the post-referendum period

Learning outcomes 

Upon successful completion, enrollees will have the knowledge and skills to: 

1. Describe the aspects of Bougainville’s political development and current constitutional arrangements
2. Identify the factors driving secessionism and the consolidation of political movements in Bougainville
3. Contrast and compare the factors at play in subnationalist politics in Bougainville with those elsewhere in Papua New Guinea
4. Achieve understanding of the complexities involved in the relationship between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville
5. Understand and describe the key political challenges facing Australia, Papua New Guinea and Bougainville as it enters a period of transition.
6. Present their analysis in a cogent and structured way

Indicative assessment

Upon successful completion, enrollees will have the knowledge and skills to: 

1. Describe PNG’s political and administrative arrangements, institutions and the key aspects of PNG’s political economy
2. Demonstrate a working understanding of the complexities faced by Papua New Guinean and foreign actors engaging with these institutions, especially regarding service delivery
3. Critically apply models to Papua New Guinean politics to develop analysis
4. Describe why PNG matters to Australia and identify the key challenges and policy choices for Australia’s relationship with PNG
5. Evaluate challenges involved in engaging practically with Papua New Guinean society

Indicative assessment

Description 

1. Papua Besena
2. Bougainville
3. Mataungan - East New Britain
4. Paliau - Manus
5. New Ireland
6. Hela
7. Enga
8. Min

Learning outcomes 

Upon successful completion, enrollees will have the knowledge and skills to: 

1. Understand how cosmology and identity are articulated in nationalist movements in PNG
2. Be familiar with the key micro-nationalist movements which have shaped the PNG state
3. Identify movements which continue to challenge the integrity of the PNG state
4. Understand the current reform landscape and how it relates to micro-nationalist politics

Indicative assessment

Description 

Topics 

1. The role of the state and concepts of governance
2. Decentralisation and the post-colonial Melanesian state
3. Long standing challenges of government service delivery
4. The emergence of CDFs
5. The politics of governance reforms
6. Policy and programming challenges in supporting governance

Learning outcomes 

Upon successful completion, enrollees will have the knowledge and skills to: 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the contextual factors behind governance reforms in Melanesia, including reasons for their successes and ongoing challenges
2. Critically reflect on and engage in an in-depth analysis of key policy reform initiatives relevant to the Melanesian context
3. Appreciation of the challenges faced by key political actors, public servants and development partners in Melanesia

Indicative assessment