THE USP? A political body, a nation-state to replace and supersede the various tiny, independent island countries and international bodies such as the Federated States of Micronesia. Is it possible? Is it desirable? What would be the advantages and disadvantages? What would it take to get there?
Pacific nations increasingly find themselves caught between competing global superpowers. As China, the United States and their various states such as Australia, New Zealand and the two Koreas maneuver to gain advantage in the region, one wonders if the islands would be better off unified into a collective state.
Many native American tribes found this to be the case. The Iroquois Confederacy was a political entity which represented multiple tribes in negotiations with the French and the British, and later the Americans. Could a similar approach work in the Pacific islands?
Looking back over attempts to create a unified voice, I am struck by several things. See if you notice them:
Honiara Declaration, 1992 — Promoted regional cooperation in law enforcement to combat crime.
Aitutaki Declaration, 1997 — Called for regional security cooperation to respond to natural disasters and transnational crime. Promoted a Pacific version of Interpol.
Biketawa Declaration, 2000 — Pledged cooperation during times of crisis or when requested by a member of the “Pacific Islands extended family”.
Vava’u Declaration, 2007 — Recognized the value of fisheries stocks to all Pacific nations and the need for a regional plan to manage and sustain fish stocks.
Nuie Declaration, 2008 — Called for regional action on climate change and recommended the development of “Pacific-tailored approaches” to protect the environment.
Waiheke Declaration, 2011 — Promoted sustainable economic development by focusing on illegal fishing and encouraging regional trade and investment.
Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration, 2012 — Called on regional states to address gender inequality in Pacific nations through increased financial and technical support.
Hiri Declaration, 2015 — Promoted closer people-to-people relations across government and private sector entities.
Boe Declaration, 2018 — Recognized the need for stronger action regarding climate change and transnational crime.
Kainaki Declaration, 2019 — Called for all parties to the Paris Agreement to act on their commitments to phase out fossil fuels and make good on financial pledges to Pacific states.
Declaration of Preserving Maritime Zones, 2021 — Declared that rise in sea level should not affect territorial boundaries. For example, as low-lying islands slip under the waves, island nations still hold claim to the waters around the submerged land.
Gender Equality Declaration, 2023 — Similar to the Declaration of 2012, calling for greater effort to promote gender equality among Pacific nations.
Well, I suppose we can say that Pacific leaders have been busy. But, have you noticed how little is accomplished? Coach John Wooden famously warned, “Don’t mistake activity for achievement.” Called for, promoted, pledged, declared. Good grief. Without the mechanisms to turn these lofty aspirations into practice, these declarations mean nothing. A United States of the Pacific could change that.
BC Cook, PhD lived on Saipan and has taught history for over 30 years. He is a director and historian at Sealark Exploration.
