The aim of this research project is to investigate the relationship between AIDS and state fragility in the South Pacific, with a focus on Papua New Guinea. Perspectives from Africa will be reviewed to see if they are applicable to the South Pacific. The conditions that make states fragile in Africa, according to analysts, will be synthesised and compared with the situation in the South Pacific. Existing evidence that links HIV to state fragility in Africa will be compared with the situation in the South Pacific. The study will primarily draw upon a review of existing literature and a number of in-depth interviews with key informants.