Sealed with Kava and Betel Nut: Lessons in Oceanic Diplomacy from the Mota Lava Treaty

Abstract

This In Brief explores the case study of maritime boundary delineation negotiations between Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in order to provide insights into the role of Oceanic cultural diplomacy in contemporary interstate diplomacy in the Pacific Islands region. It is part of series on Oceanic diplomacy introduced by In Brief 2021/23, which defined it as ‘the distinctive diplomatic practices and principles which come out of the long history and diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands’.