George Carter is Senior Fellow and Deputy Head of the Department of Pacific Affairs at The Australian National University (ANU). He is the Director for the ANU Pacific Institute and cluster lead on Climate Security, and Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge at ANU Institute of Climate Change Energy and Disaster. His research explores the interplay of international politics and security, with climate change (diplomacy, negotiations, finance, democracy, gender and knowledge), through the influence and authority/power of Islands (Pacific states and peoples, Small Island Developing States). His work contributes to areas of  climate politics, foreign policy, multilateralism, non-western and Oceanic Diplomacy, Pacific regionalism and geopolitics, indigenous knowledge and philosophy. He supervises research in international relations, security, development diplomatic and Pacific studies, and teaches both University and executive courses for defence and diplomatic academies, national and regional public servants, civil society and community.  Underpinning George’s research and teaching is ‘tautua’ service – that it serves, and brokers opportunities for communities. An example is the research, advice and capacity working with Pacific regional organisations and countries in multilateral ocean, sustainable development, security and climate change negotiations. He is a volunteer teaching aide at local primary school, and Co-Director and founder of the Resilient and Sustainable Islands (RESI) thinktank group. George’s research and teaching ‘tautua’ are influenced by his work experience and education in the Pacific, and grounded by his Samoan, Tuvaluan, i-Kiribati, Chinese and British heritage. He is from Samoa, and serves his community and aiga where he holds the high chief title of Salā.

The broad focus of George’s research interests is understanding small states and peoples’ influence in decision-making processes in international politics. His research projects explore Pacific states and Small Island Developing States' agency in multilateral climate change negotiations, regionalism, climate security, climate knowledge and education, foreign policymaking and geopolitical security interests, Oceania diplomacy and Pacific diaspora politics.

Bacher of Arts in  Political Science and Pacific  (Victoria University of Wellington)

Master of Diplomacy (ANU)

Master of Arts in International Relations (ANU)

PhD in International and Strategic Politics (ANU)