The South Pacific is a region of diverse and complex island states with unique developmental challenges. Its post-colonial history has been characterized by democratic consolidation in some states and intense contestation in others; a growing regional identity and platform to assert Pacific interests on the global stage, complicated by enduring ties to colonial powers; and differing approaches, and results, to key development issues such as climate change, women’s empowerment, and service delivery. This course aims to enhance understanding of the challenges and prospects facing the contemporary Pacific Islands region. It particularly engages with Pacific Island cultural approaches to the current challenges. It is designed for later year undergraduates, graduate students, development practitioners and policy-makers alike. Through lectures and student-centred seminars, the course will examine the following topics:
Identity, Politics and Society: Is there a ‘Pacific identity’ – how do Pacific Islanders see the world, and how does the world see the Pacific? How do gender, ethnicity and religion affect how political power is wielded and who wields it in the Pacific? What are the politics surrounding service delivery in Pacific states?
Globalisation, Aid and Development: How has regionalism helped Pacific Islands negotiate a globalised world? What is the politics of aid in the Pacific? What are the key economic and social challenges facing the contemporary Pacific?
Disaster Management and Climate Change: How will climate change affect the Pacific in terms of development, security, and culture? How are Pacific Island states, and donor countries, working to mitigate it? What does sustainable development mean for the Pacific in the era of climate change?
This course will be taught in Japan (in English) as part of the Bachelor of Asia Pacific Affairs.