Models of Regional Governance for the Pacific: Sovereignty and The Future Architecture of Regionalism

Exploring the challenges facing the vulnerable, small Pacific Island countries in the 21st century—and the alternative models of regional governance available to meet those challenges—this review of the development of Pacific regionalism surveys models of governance for other regions, especially the European Union integration movement, and considers the merits of the contemporary Pacific Plan. Offering reflections of the nexus between the traditional customs and values of indigenous peoples of the region and the prevailing values and political methods of the dominant West, this authoritative analysis concludes with insights into how these separate and distinct cultural-political approaches to international politics might be synthesized for the common regional interest.