The role of the United States in the South Pacific at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries - maintaining the sphere of influence by providing security to microstates?

Abstract

Following two waves of decolonization in the Pacific (1962-1970 and 1974-1980), the situation of island states in this region have changed radically. Finally independent microstates have gained their legal international opportunity to decide on own internal and regional policy. Nonetheless, post-colonial relations in the region were largely influenced by the Pacific Ring powers, led by the United States, which consequently created a unique local system. Such struggle in order to uphold influence in the Pacific occurred in the post-war period initially between the USA and Japan. Two imperial approaches emerged from these international movements, which were implemented in the diplomacy of both countries: “New world order” and its Japanese response – “New regional order”. Government in Washington maintains close relations with states in Oceania by changing their formal names (free association, unincorporated and unorganized territory, unincorporated and organized territory, commonwealth within the USA). In addition to organizational or scientific activity, the most important element of American policy towards the states in Oceania is the regional security shaping. The military presence of the US troops, regular RIMPAC naval exercises, growing diplomatic and economic investments in the South Pacific islands consolidate the image of a just sheriff of the new world order, a defender of young democracies on the verge of poverty struggling with civilization problems.