Melanesian socialism

Melanesian socialism

The concept of Melanesian socialism was first advocated by Father Walter Lini of the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), who became the country's first prime minister upon its independence from France and the United Kingdom in 1980. Lini's views on socialism were inspired by Julius Nyerere's experiments in African socialism in Tanzania.

Lini believed that socialism was inherently compatible with Melanesian societies and customs, including the emphasis on communal welfare over individualism, and the communal ownership and working of land. In this, Nyerere's influence is perceptible; the latter stressed the similarities between socialism and traditional African ways of life.

Father Lini, an Anglican priest, also believed that socialism held close similarities with Christian values, and sought to combine the two as part of a "Melanesian way". In this sense, socialism was not to be revolutionary, but instead fully in line with ni-Vanuatu tradition.

Although he admired Nyerere, and although his government sought rapprochement with countries such as Cuba and Libya, Lini believed that socialism should not necessarily entail an alliance with the Soviet Union or the Eastern bloc. Indeed, he preferred for Vanuatu to remain non-aligned and to develop closer ties with its fellow Melanesian nations (such as Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands). In 1982, he expressed hopes for an eventual Melanesian federal union, and spoke of the "renaissance of Melanesian values", including "Melanesian socialism".

Lini also noted that, in traditional Melanesian societies, "'Giving' was based on one's ability to do so. 'Receiving' was based on one's need".

In New Caledonia, the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), an alliance of pro-independence parties, advocates the implementation of socialism along with accession to sovereignty. Independent Melanesian nations (most notably Vanuatu) have expressed support for the FLNKS.

Sources

  • HUFFER, Elise, Grands Hommes et Petites Îles: La Politique Extérieure de Fidji, de Tonga et du Vanuatu, Paris: Orstom, 1993, ISBN 2-7099-1125-6
  • DENOON, Donald & alii (ed.), The Cambridge History of the Pacific Islanders, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997, ISBN 0-521-00354-7
  • LINNEKIN, Jocelyn, "The Politics of Culture in the Pacific", in LINNEKIN, Jocelyn & POYER, Lin (ed.), Cultural Identity and Ethnicity in the Pacific, Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 1990, ISBN 0-8248-1891-1

Bibliography

  • Premadas, Ralph R. Melanesian socialism: Vanuatu's quest for self-definition (Discussion paper series / Centre for Developing-Area Studies), McGill University, 1986.
  • Lini, Walter. Beyond pandemonium: From the New Hebrides to Vanuatu. Asia Pacific Books, 1980.

See also


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Melanesian Progressive Union — Union progressiste mélanésienne Leader Victor Tutugoro Founded …   Wikipedia

  • Socialism in Pakistan — Socialism …   Wikipedia

  • Socialism in India — Socialism …   Wikipedia

  • Socialism — This article is about socialism as an economic system and political philosophy. For socialism as a specific stage of socioeconomic development in Marxist theory, see Socialism (Marxism) …   Wikipedia

  • Christian socialism — Socialism …   Wikipedia

  • Socialism and social democracy in Canada — Democratic socialism and Social democracy have been, along with liberalism and conservatism, a political force in Canada. Contents 1 The radical years 2 CCF to Victory , the rise of democratic socialism 3 Radical versions …   Wikipedia

  • Arab socialism — ( ar. الاشتراكية العربية, al ishtirākīya al ‘arabīya ) is a political ideology based on an amalgamation of Pan Arabism and Socialism. Arab Socialism is distinct from the much broader tradition of socialist thought in the Arab World, which… …   Wikipedia

  • African socialism — is a belief in sharing economic resources in a traditional African way, as distinct from classical socialism. Many African politicians of the 1950s and 1960s professed their support for African socialism, although definitions and interpretations… …   Wikipedia

  • Chinese socialism — This article is about the political philosophy of the Kuomintang in the Republic of China. For the socialism practiced in the Communist run People s Republic of China, see Socialist market economy. Socialism …   Wikipedia

  • Cuba–Vanuatu relations — Vanuatu–Cuba relations Vanuatu …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”