Pacific Ways

The Pacific region encompasses a diverse and fascinating range of countries, from the large nations of Australia and Papua New Guinea to the tiny, isolated islands of Pitcairn and Rapa Nui.

First published in 2009, Pacific Ways brings together essential information about Pacific countries that is readily available for nations elsewhere: their politics, historical background and colonial experience, constitutional frameworks, political institutions and parties, elections and electoral systems, and problems and prospects. Spanning Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia, this volume includes all countries and territories, irrespective of size or political status.

A lot has happened since the second edition of Pacific Ways, and this third edition is almost an entirely new book, including two additional territories, many new contributors, and updates on the political changes each nation has experienced in the last ten years. It also examines the challenges facing the region as a whole, such as climate change, migration and population decline, and the changing balance between aid and independence as geopolitical competition among great powers affects traditional Pacific alliances. Pacific Ways is an essential primer on the region and a valuable contribution to wide-ranging discussions on world affairs.