The U.S. Grand Strategy Toward the Pacific Islands

Author

Angela Vasovic, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Political Science

Advisor

Peter Romaniuk

Subject Categories

Asian Studies | International and Area Studies | International Relations | Other International and Area Studies | Policy History, Theory, and Methods | Political Science

Keywords

South Pacific, Oceania, U.S. Foreign Policy, Diplomacy

Abstract

The United States has recently placed its relations with the Pacific Islands, fourteen small states far out in the Pacific Ocean, on its high-priority diplomatic agenda. Although it has been interacting with the islands since the 1800s and had heavily relied on their cooperation during World War II, the importance of the islands waned in the eyes of the United States in the late twentieth and the beginning of the twenty first century as the country turned its attention to other regions of the world. However, in recent years, the U.S. has recognized the need to strengthen relations with the islands once again as Chinese influence grows in the region. Opening three new embassies in record time, while also increasing economic assistance to the islands, demonstrates U.S. efforts to rekindle close ties with the island states. This thesis reviews U.S. grand strategy toward the Pacific Islands since the start of their relations until the present time and explains it in light of the international political landscape and U.S. foreign policy goals.

Recommended Citation

Vasovic, Angela, "The U.S. Grand Strategy Toward the Pacific Islands" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6133