<p>Personal connections matter, and Scott Morrison’s ties to the Pacific run deeper than many realise.</p>

There is a new normal for Solomon Islands politics ­– a fund of money makes sitting MPs much stronger than historically.

<p>Honiara might break with Taipei after the April election, and may not be the last in a tug of war with Beijing.</p>

In an unpredictable electoral environment, an enduring fact is women face higher entry barriers into politics than men.

Taipei will find it increasingly hard to dispel the intangible sense the tide of history is running in China’s favour.

The benefits for Pacific Islands police in professionalism and training was a largely unplanned by-product of the 14-year mission to Solomon Islands.

Diarrhoea is a killer in Solomon Islands, and climate change will only increase its danger.

Minerals are a flashpoint for conflict in the troubled Pacific nation but a new scheme hopes to find wealth and peace.

Euan Moyle,an intern with the Pacific Islands Program, with links on developments across the Pacific.

As PM, Rick Houenipwela can set the agenda but he can't personally implement every single policy.

Euan Moyle, an intern with the Lowy Institute's Pacific Island Program, with links on developments across the Pacific.

Euan Moyle, an intern with the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands Program, with links on developments across the region.

Euan Moyle, an intern with the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands Program, with links on developments across the Pacific.

Euan Moyle, an intern with the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands Program, with links on developments across the Pacific.

Julie Bishop speaking on Australia's new approach to the Pacific, violence in PNG's Highland provinces, the real danger facing Guam and more.

Wherever our officers are sent in the future, they will have a better understanding of how to work with partners in building and developing law enforcement capability.

RAMSI had no mandate to work on political reform and too few Solomon Islands MPs were interested in using the opportunity to push for much-needed changes in the political system.

Ultimately, the legacy of RAMSI will not be measured by what was achieved over the last 14 years, but by what happens in the future.

This week's links also include a look at the ongoing impact of the 2015-16 drought in PNG, the 2017 Pacific Update and the new documentary, My Father, My Country.

With memories of a five-year civil war still vivid, there is cautious optimism a move to a Federal system will help the nation prosper.