The French Geopolitical Project in New Caledonia

Abstract

“Decolonization without independence” has been a characteristic of 25% of all functioning colonies since 1945 (Christopher, 2002). However, as has been pointed out, the Western colonizing powers have collectively authored the instruments of decolonization via the United Nations Decolonization Committee (Farer, 2003, p. 387). While this has resulted in many other nations and territories achieving self-determination since 1945, New Caledonia still remains one of many Non Self-Governing Territories. What this implies is that, some time during the 21st century, the currently minority indigenous Kanak population, which has resisted French colonialism for 150 years, faces the acute practical dilemma of a future based on autonomy, on independence or “in association” in the context of its present colonial economic dependency. The nature of this dilemma is one which faces many South Pacific island territories and thus one of the key issues in resolving regional conflict is the extent to which accommodations to economic dependency can be reached which are acceptable to the aspirations and needs of indigenous populations. Such accommodations may well involve the development of new associations and economic linkages with Australia and within the South Pacific region itself and beyond. It is argued here that, since the end of the Cold War period, France has been in the process of reinvigorating its regional geopolitical project in the South Pacific. Given the geopolitical and economic importance of New Caledonia and since French interests cut across those of the independence movement, there is thus likely to continue to be an ongoing conflict until indigenous demands are appropriately accommodated, as required by the United Nations. The purpose of this chapter is also to argue that the complex conflict and political change within the French “overseas country” of New Caledonia is not simply yet another example of ethnic resurgence as has so often been argued (for example, Ward, 1992). Rather, it is suggested here that the conflict is a manifestation of a deep-seated reaction and accommodation to long-standing repression brought about by the enduring impacts of French colonialism and its exploitation of distant lands both on account of their remoteness as well as their perceived worth. In short, there exists a fundamental geopolitical element in the case of New Caledonia, the complete appreciation of which is critical to an understanding of the overall conflict and its outcomes. The association between remoteness and disagreeable behavior, or the relocation of unacceptable human action, has been a common feature of colonial conduct around the Pacific and elsewhere. Ironically, the Pacific has been the only part of the earth’s surface which has been regularly used by several imperial powers to test and to use nuclear weapons. Even now, the Pacific still remains as a potential candidate 13. THE FRENCH GEOPOLITICAL PROJECT IN NEW CALEDONIA DENNIS RUMLEY