ISBN:
9780511470165
Language:
English
Pages:
1 online resource (x, 228 pages)
Series Statement:
Cambridge Asia-Pacific studies
Parallel Title:
Erscheint auch als
Parallel Title:
Erscheint auch als
DDC:
320.995
Keywords:
Politik
;
Democracy / Oceania / Case studies
;
Tradition
;
Demokratisierung
;
Demokratie
;
Politischer Wandel
;
Fiji / Politics and government
;
Tonga / Politics and government
;
Samoa / Politics and government
;
Tonga
;
Fidschi
;
Westsamoa
;
Ozeanien
;
Fallstudiensammlung
;
Ozeanien
;
Tradition
;
Demokratie
;
Politischer Wandel
;
Fidschi
;
Tonga
;
Westsamoa
;
Demokratisierung
Abstract:
Much literature on non-Western traditions celebrates the renaissance of indigenous cultures. Others have been more critical of this renaissance, especially with respect to its political implications. This study analyses the assertion of 'tradition' by indigenous elites, looking especially at the way it is used to differentiate 'the West' from the 'non-West'. This is important to contemporary discussion about the validity of democracy outside the West and problems concerning universalism and relativism. The discussion of Fiji focuses on constitutional development and the traditionalist emphasis on chiefly legitimacy. The rise of the Pro-Democracy Movement in Tonga is considered against the background of a conservative political order that has so far resisted pressure for reform. The move to universal suffrage in Western Samoa is seen not as a rejection of traditional ways in favour of democratic norms, but as a means of preserving important aspects of traditional culture
Description / Table of Contents:
1. Tradition and Democracy. The Idea of Tradition. Tradition and Modernity. Tradition as Ideology. The Problem of Authenticity. Democracy -- 2. Constitutional Development, Chiefly Power and the Politics of Tradition in Fiji. The Plural Society. Colonization and Indirect Rule. The Politics of Land and Indigenous Paramountcy. Fijian Sociopolitical Structures. The Background to the 1970 Constitution. The Rise and Fall of Labour. The 1990 Constitution. Party Politics and Elections in the Republic -- 3. The Monarchy Versus Democracy in the Kingdom of Tonga. The Origins of the Political System. The Sociopolitical System. European Contact and Christian Conversion. Constitutional Development. The Reign of Queen Salote Tupou III. Transformations Under Tupou IV. The Pro-Democracy Movement. The Conservative Reaction -- 4. Preserving Tradition Through Democratization: The Introduction of Universal Suffrage in Western Samoa. The Samoan Polity. Samoa Before the Coming of Europeans. From Contact to Colonial Rule. Politics and Law after Independence: The First Twenty Years. The Rise of Political Parties and Party Politics. The Introduction of Universal Suffrage. Fa'aSamoa and Fa'amatai. The Village Fono Act of 1990 -- 5. Conclusion: Tradition Versus the West
Note:
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015)
DOI:
10.1017/CBO9780511470165
URL:
Volltext
(URL des Erstveröffentlichers)
