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The Fiji Experience: Fijian Politics and Pacific Ethno Nationalism

Troy Simmons

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Published in Fijian Politics: Pacific Ethno Nationalism The Fiji Experience

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Fiji is a fascinating country with a rich political history. It is a multi-ethnic nation with a complex web of relationships between its indigenous Fijian population and the Indo-Fijian minority. Fijian politics has been characterized by ethno nationalism, which is a form of nationalism that emphasizes the importance of ethnic identity in political life.

Fijian Politics: Pacific Ethno-Nationalism - The Fiji Experience

by Romy Fischer

4 out of 5

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In this article, we will explore the history of ethno nationalism in Fiji and its impact on Fijian politics. We will also discuss the current political landscape in Fiji and the challenges facing the country as it seeks to build a more inclusive and democratic society.

A History of Ethno Nationalism in Fiji

The roots of ethno nationalism in Fiji can be traced back to the colonial period. The British colonialists introduced a system of indirect rule that favored the indigenous Fijian population over the Indo-Fijian minority. This system created a sense of grievance among Indo-Fijians, who felt that they were being discriminated against.

After Fiji gained independence in 1970, the tensions between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians continued to simmer. The indigenous Fijian leaders adopted a policy of "Fijian paramountcy," which gave preferential treatment to indigenous Fijians in all aspects of life. This policy further alienated Indo-Fijians, who felt that they were being treated as second-class citizens.

In 1987, a military coup led by Sitiveni Rabuka overthrew the government of Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra. Rabuka justified the coup by claiming that he was protecting the interests of indigenous Fijians. He then installed a new government that was dominated by indigenous Fijians.

The Rabuka coup had a profound impact on Fijian politics. It led to the adoption of a new constitution that enshrined the principle of "Fijian paramountcy." The constitution also created a new electoral system that gave indigenous Fijians a majority in the parliament.

The Current Political Landscape in Fiji

The current political landscape in Fiji is complex and fluid. The country has experienced two military coups since 2000, and the military continues to play a significant role in politics. The current government is led by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who came to power in a military coup in 2006.

Bainimarama has promised to promote racial harmony and economic development in Fiji. He has also introduced a number of reforms, including a new constitution that is designed to be more inclusive. However, the country remains deeply divided, and there are serious concerns about the state of democracy in Fiji.

Challenges Facing Fiji

Fiji faces a number of challenges as it seeks to build a more inclusive and democratic society. These challenges include:

Ethno nationalism: Ethno nationalism is a major obstacle to national unity in Fiji. The deep-seated mistrust between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians makes it difficult to build a common national identity.
Military intervention: The military has intervened in Fijian politics on numerous occasions. This has undermined the country's democratic institutions and made it difficult to build a stable and accountable government.
Weak economy: Fiji's economy is heavily dependent on tourism and remittances from overseas Fijians. The country is also vulnerable to natural disasters, such as cyclones and floods.
Climate change: Fiji is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. Rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events are posing a serious threat to the country's economy and environment.

Fiji is a complex and fascinating country with a rich political history. The country has experienced both great progress and setbacks in its efforts to build a more inclusive and democratic society. The challenges facing Fiji are significant, but the country has the potential to overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for all its citizens.

Fijian Politics: Pacific Ethno-Nationalism - The Fiji Experience

by Romy Fischer

4 out of 5