Epilogue
-
Edward Acton Cavanough
Abstract
With its recognition of China, Solomon Islands came to be caricatured as the next domino to fall in China’s grand quest for global domination. It catapulted obscure, inexperienced island politicians into positions of global import. Solomon Islands attracted a global community of China hawks to cast their attention towards islands they’d never set foot on, many of whom saw in the struggle between Suidani and Sogavare a proxy conflict between China and the World; between Good and Evil. The Switch influenced the behaviour of some of the most powerful actors in global politics. For external partners of Solomon Islands, especially Australia, the Switch and the entrenchment of what is perceived as a ‘pro-China’ leader in Manasseh Sogavare are often considered failures of foreign and development policy. Alongside debate about what the international community, including Australia, should do in Solomon Islands is the question of what it should not do.
Abstract
With its recognition of China, Solomon Islands came to be caricatured as the next domino to fall in China’s grand quest for global domination. It catapulted obscure, inexperienced island politicians into positions of global import. Solomon Islands attracted a global community of China hawks to cast their attention towards islands they’d never set foot on, many of whom saw in the struggle between Suidani and Sogavare a proxy conflict between China and the World; between Good and Evil. The Switch influenced the behaviour of some of the most powerful actors in global politics. For external partners of Solomon Islands, especially Australia, the Switch and the entrenchment of what is perceived as a ‘pro-China’ leader in Manasseh Sogavare are often considered failures of foreign and development policy. Alongside debate about what the international community, including Australia, should do in Solomon Islands is the question of what it should not do.
Chapters in this book
- 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
Chapters in this book
- 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
