Introduction
-
Edward Acton Cavanough
Abstract
This introduction outlines the key concepts discussed in the chapters of this book. The book tells the story of Solomon Islands’ China Switch, its internal and regional consequences, the political machinations that led to it, and how a handful of islanders used this transformative, once-in-a-generation political event to wield political power. It is the story of Manasseh Sogavare and his fateful decision to embrace China, sending ripples all the way to Washington, D.C. While he held deep suspicions of Taiwan dating back to Taipei’s shady involvement during the Tensions, he also was sceptical of Australian intent. It is the story of Daniel Suidani, and how his manipulation of the Switch thrust him from obscurity to global relevance. Enmities fuelled by ancient internal rivalries, colonial dispossession and exploitation, inadequate reconstruction after the Second World War, uneven economic growth since independence in 1978, and the ethnic tensions that gripped Solomon Islands between 1998 and 2003.
Abstract
This introduction outlines the key concepts discussed in the chapters of this book. The book tells the story of Solomon Islands’ China Switch, its internal and regional consequences, the political machinations that led to it, and how a handful of islanders used this transformative, once-in-a-generation political event to wield political power. It is the story of Manasseh Sogavare and his fateful decision to embrace China, sending ripples all the way to Washington, D.C. While he held deep suspicions of Taiwan dating back to Taipei’s shady involvement during the Tensions, he also was sceptical of Australian intent. It is the story of Daniel Suidani, and how his manipulation of the Switch thrust him from obscurity to global relevance. Enmities fuelled by ancient internal rivalries, colonial dispossession and exploitation, inadequate reconstruction after the Second World War, uneven economic growth since independence in 1978, and the ethnic tensions that gripped Solomon Islands between 1998 and 2003.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Map of Solomon Islands ix
- Milestones in the History of Solomon Islands xi
- Introduction 1
- I Island Universe 11
- 1 ‘Afuera! ’ 15
- 2 Jungle Road 25
- II Restive state 33
- 3 Running Aground 35
- 4 Manasseh of East Choiseul 49
- 5 Maasina Men 71
- III The switch 83
- 6 Devil’s Night 85
- 7 Escape from Adeliua 100
- 8 The Games 112
- 9 Rivers of Gold 120
- IV Rebellion 131
- 10 ‘No Need China!’ 133
- 11 Wuhan Window 148
- 12 Honiara Burning 165
- V Twisted iron 175
- 13 Seeking Protection 177
- 14 Red Line 188
- 15 Arc of Anxiety 201
- VI Where the North Road ends 211
- 16 Henderson Concession 213
- 17 East to Fataleka 225
- 18 Mustafa Rising 244
- 19 Making a Martyr 260
- Epilogue 271
- Notes 285
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Map of Solomon Islands ix
- Milestones in the History of Solomon Islands xi
- Introduction 1
- I Island Universe 11
- 1 ‘Afuera! ’ 15
- 2 Jungle Road 25
- II Restive state 33
- 3 Running Aground 35
- 4 Manasseh of East Choiseul 49
- 5 Maasina Men 71
- III The switch 83
- 6 Devil’s Night 85
- 7 Escape from Adeliua 100
- 8 The Games 112
- 9 Rivers of Gold 120
- IV Rebellion 131
- 10 ‘No Need China!’ 133
- 11 Wuhan Window 148
- 12 Honiara Burning 165
- V Twisted iron 175
- 13 Seeking Protection 177
- 14 Red Line 188
- 15 Arc of Anxiety 201
- VI Where the North Road ends 211
- 16 Henderson Concession 213
- 17 East to Fataleka 225
- 18 Mustafa Rising 244
- 19 Making a Martyr 260
- Epilogue 271
- Notes 285
