Redefining Sovereignty: Para-diplomacy of the French Oceanic Communities in the Blue Pacific

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This is a thesis proposal presentation for a research project examining the external relations of French Polynesia and New Caledonia with foreign actors and the French state. Although the latter retains most of the competencies in international relations, as a key at-tribute of any sovereign state, the French Oceanic Communities have intensified their ex-ternal activities from the early 2010s until today. This has occurred in the context of a strategic revival in the Pacific region, catalysed by contemporary global issues such as cli-mate change and geopolitical competition. This study will adapt existing theoretical frameworks on para-diplomacy to the particular case of these subnational island jurisdictions. These non-self-governing territories are undergoing a process of self-determination within a unitary state, in contrast to the ‘mainstream’ para-diplomacy studies of mainland jurisdictions within federated states. While it is commonplace to encounter the ‘realist’ discourse of island countries and territories lacking material power in the face of neo-colonial manoeuvres — and increasingly the counter-narrative of island agency emerging in the context of great power rivalry (i.e., New Pacific Diplomacy) — this research proposal will outline a project aimed towards understanding the shifting power dynamics be-tween these stakeholders.

Speaker

Raihaamana Tevahitua has degrees in geopolitics and public law. He has worked in the export and tourism sectors. His interests include overseas para-diplomacy, island development, climate and environmental issues, technological advances, multifaceted security and strategic competition. He aims to promote the interests of the people of Oceania in the contemporary strategic context.

Picture: Tahiti Infos