Indigenous politics in the governance of Fiji : the case of forestry

Abstract

Indigenous Fijian politics in the modem world has been bewildering to many besides indigenous Fijians themselves. Fijians want to change to the modem world and simultaneously they are held back giving the impression that they do not want to . This thesis seeks to provide an explanation as to why it seems difficult for ethnic Fijians to change so as to accelerate social, economic and political development in their quest for change. in the process it chooses to view Fijian politics and changes through the forest industry. The thesis argues that only by embracing and internalizing a legal/rational authority will positive change and development of Fijian indigenes accelerate. Traditional authority which dominates the Fijians' world is traced historically through the forest industry together with dominant ideas, agents, events, industries and actors involved. The study is heterodoxical and eclectic, selecting data from fieldwork and documentary sources. Conceptual tools for this work are drawn from numerous disciplines besides politics: anthropology, philosophy, history, geography and forestry. Weber, and other scholars' work relating to Weber's monumental work, provide the basis of analyses. The base of indigenous authority and legitimation of force is established in the analyses. This is followed by an examination of the ideology of the 'Paramountcy of Fijian Interests' which serves as a legitimating factor for Fijian leaders. The case of forestry illustrates the historical and present impact of tradition al authority in the three models of nattrral, corporate and extension forest sectors. These units also represent private, national and communal types . Their history, management, and the dominant basis of legitimation are discussed and analysed from fieldwork and documentary data. The data includes personal researches since 1984, which are presented as appendicies. The process enables the examination of the Fijian power base and traditional authority simultaneously highlighting Fijian politics in the three Forestry types and in general. Forestry provides a window on the methodology adopted to examine the dominant base of authority in the governance of the country. In short the thesis illustrates the impact of the dominance of traditional authority in . the governanc.e of Fiji in general and in forestry in particular. -It highlights various ' " weaknesses in the change and development desired by Fijians in general and forestry " in particular. For an accelerated development a more basic change has to be put in motion. That change is in allowing government to seriously apply a predominantly legaVrational authority demanded internationally allowinK proper control and good government in Fiji through a less dominant traditional base of authority.