This episode walks through the nuanced responses of countries in the Pacific region and Timor-Leste, exploring the perspectives of key figures who wielded substantial influence in government and healthcare during the COVID-19 era. This narrative unfolds by examining the dynamics that shaped each nation's approach to the Pandemic, such as the subtle pressures and preparations that influenced their responses.  How did these factors play a role in determining the strategies adopted by different nations, and what lessons can we draw from their experiences? We discuss the importance of working together and having pre-existing relationships in determining the efficacy of these responses. This episode features: - Gordon Peake - Host - Jack Niedenthal - Former Secretary of Health for Marshall Islands - Josh Francis - Principal Research Fellow and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at Menzies School of Health Research - Fidelis Magalhaes - Former Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of East Timor - Stephanie Williams - Australia’s Former Ambassador for Regional Health Security at Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pacific Food Island Revolution (PIFR) continues to be televised to record numbers of people in the Pacific Islands. But do Australia and New Zealand harvest the soft power benefits of the show? And to what extent has PIFR influenced healthier eating in the region? In this episode we explore the soft power of television through the program often referred to as the MasterChef of the Pacific.   Henrietta McNeill, a key contributor to Professor Joanne Wallis's Statecraftiness project, suggests a shift from insecurity-inducing TV to content that truly feeds and nourishes the soul.   Mele Mauala guides us through traditional Samoan cuisine such as seafood, root crops, and fruits while discussing the transition of Western foods, like wheat, into mainstream diets.    Enid Westerlund takes us on an heart-racing tour of Samoan restaurants   Our own Mark Panayiotis Notaras shares his experience of partnering with the show through his work as Co-Founder of the Timor-Leste Food Lab in a collaborative dinner for the then Timor-Leste Prime Minister.   We learn how the Pacific Food Island Revolution has impacted behaviour and food consumption patterns, by exploring diverse perspectives from industry insiders.   This episode features:   - Gordon Peake - Host - Henrietta McNeill - Pacific Security Researcher at Australian National University - Mele Mauala - Country Programme Coordinator at UN Women and Former Judge on Pacific Island Food Revolution  - Enid Westerlund - Business Consultant and Ambassador Oceania International Students House UK - Mark Panayiotis Notaras - Executive Producer of Statecraftiness, General Manager at CulturalPulse, and Co-Founder of the Timor-Leste Food Lab and Agora Food Studio  - Barney Higgins - Voicing the words of Robert Louis Stevenson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to a new season of Statecraftiness! While the podcast took a brief hiatus, the world of statecraft continues to evolve and like Santa, doesn’t sleep at this time of the year. In this episode we look at how states are using the popularity of sports in their statecraft. The second series starts with Host Gordon Peake and Executive Producer Mark Panayiotis Notaras from CulturalPulse discussing the hidden realms of statecraft. We kick off with an exploration of the impact of sports like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and National Rugby League (NRL). We meet former sports star-turned-statecrafter, and discuss the Pacific Games with some Solomon Islander academics. University of Adelaide Professor Joanne Wallis unearths the subtle workings of soft power in the Pacific, and we delve into sports diplomacy with experts and former rugby league coach. Journalist Clyde Kaila is sent off on a quest to explore public views in Papua New Guinea on Australia's influence and the NRL, capturing intriguing perspectives. This episode features: - Joanne Wallis - Professor of International Security at University of Adelaide and Executive Producer of Statecraftiness - Gordon Peake - Host - Mark Panayiotis Notaras - Executive Producer of Statecraftiness and General Manager at CulturalPulse - Shana Ryan - Executive Producer of Statecraftiness and Project Coordinator at CulturalPulse - Luther Canute - Sound Designer and Producer - Maima Koro - Pacific Research Fellow at University of Adelaide - Priestly Habru - PhD Candidate at University of Adelaide - Derek Futaiasi - Pacific Research Fellow at University of Adelaide - Stanley Tepand - Former Coach of Papua New Guinea Kumuls and SP Hunters - Clyde Kaila - Papua New Guinean JournalistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.