TY - JOUR
T1 - The coming anarchy in oceania
T2 - A critique of the 'Africanisation' of the South Pacific thesis
AU - Fraenkel, Jon
PY - 2004/3
Y1 - 2004/3
N2 - This article considers claims, in the wake of coups in Fiji and the Solomon Islands in 2000, that the Pacific region is experiencing 'African'-style difficulties. It argues that the Africanisation thesis is analytically weak, internally inconsistent and empirically flawed. Data covering GDP per capita, literacy, schooling and life expectancy are explored, as are indicators covering coups, insurgencies and military involvement in politics. Claimed similarities between the role played by 'ethnicity' in driving conflict are considered, as are comparisons of the role played by the post-colonial state. In conclusion, the article looks at the underlying causes of conflict, and potential for future instability, in Melanesia.
AB - This article considers claims, in the wake of coups in Fiji and the Solomon Islands in 2000, that the Pacific region is experiencing 'African'-style difficulties. It argues that the Africanisation thesis is analytically weak, internally inconsistent and empirically flawed. Data covering GDP per capita, literacy, schooling and life expectancy are explored, as are indicators covering coups, insurgencies and military involvement in politics. Claimed similarities between the role played by 'ethnicity' in driving conflict are considered, as are comparisons of the role played by the post-colonial state. In conclusion, the article looks at the underlying causes of conflict, and potential for future instability, in Melanesia.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=1942530718&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/14662040408565567
DO - 10.1080/14662040408565567
M3 - Article
SN - 1466-2043
VL - 42
SP - 1
EP - 34
JO - Commonwealth and Comparative Politics
JF - Commonwealth and Comparative Politics
IS - 1
ER -