The new South Pacific

Abstract

The New South Pacific introduces the reader to the scattered islands and territories of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. While some are still under foreign rule most of the islands are now emerging as independent nations. After a century and a half of European control they must now work out their own destiny. The author describes the indigenous traditions of the past and the impact of the alien's way of life. Future trends and developments are also covered. But the main focus is strongly on the present and the search for an authentic identity here and now. Politics and religion, art and culture, social and economic organisation - all are discussed in a lucid manner. The writer's personal judgments are sometimes controversial but always stated clearly, and his text is not without humour. This book is an important contribution to the growing body of writing on the Third World and to the Development Debate. The issues raised are of vital importance to a world that faces the choice of confrontation leading to polarisation, or dialogue leading to an acceptance of a pluralistic world community. Because of the issues raised and the simplicity of style this book will be welcomed by the general reader as well as being a valuable addition to the serious study of South Pacific territories and people.