Riots in the Pacific: control and change

In the Pacific Islands region, one quarter of all 14 independent countries have experienced
rioting from 2006 to end 2021. Yet, despite these incidents of collective violence inflicting
major damage in small island states, they are poorly understood, with responses from
national as well as international actors remaining static. This discussion paper summarises the
common features of riots - defined as episodic disturbances creating threats and violence to
people and property - across the Pacific. The analysis is based on a comparative analysis of
riot events (as described in literature and media reports) and draws on relevant theory and
sources. Subsequently, factors contributing to riot violence are weighed against the
effectiveness of possible responses by security and development actors. The final section of
the paper provides suggestions and implications for relevant scholars, practitioners, and
policymakers interested in security and peacebuilding in the Pacific Islands.