Converging on the arc of instability? The fall of Barak Sope and the specture of a coup in Vanuatu

Abstract

The constitutional crisis which erupted in Vanuatu in May 2001 initially prompted fears that Vanuatu might follow the examples of the Solomon Islands and Fiji and descend into social unrest, and possibly violent conflict. The greater danger was that the ailing administration of Barak Tame Sope Mau'utamate would mobilize the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) to consolidate its hold on power. Show more