The Pacific Ocean of peace: a promise or a paradox?

Using Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s articulation of the region as an ‘Ocean of Peace’ as an entry point, this article examines the competing visions of peace and sovereignty in the Pacific. While Rabuka’s vision aligns with long-standing regional aspirations for unity, non-alignment, and security, it exists within a historically contested landscape of power, colonial legacy, and militarisation. The article situates this vision within broader debates on Pacific sovereignty, exploring how it interacts with the enduring colonial rule in territories such as Kanaky, Mā’ohi Nui, and Guåhan, as well as the neo-colonial dependencies. Additionally, the region remains a site of strategic competition, with initiatives such as AUKUS and the expansion of foreign military bases raising critical questions about sovereignty, self-determination, and security. This article argues that without directly addressing these structures of domination, peace remains an elusive ideal rather than a tangible reality. Furthermore, regional visions of peace risk perpetuating exclusionary frameworks, unless they integrate gender equity and centre the voices of women and marginalised communities in peacebuilding. This article proposes a genuinely inclusive and sovereign Pacific founded on decolonisation, justice, and sustainability. It calls for leadership that prioritises indigenous agency, regional solidarity, and grassroots-driven processes.