Geografia, tradizione e decentramento: suggestioni dai micro Stati insulari del Pacifico

Geography, tradition, and decentralization: suggestions from the Pacific micro insular states

Abstract

The article discusses the decentralization in the Pacific micro insular states. In particular, the focus is on the combined influence of the geographic dispersion and of the traditional system of government centered on traditional chiefs. The seven microstates that are analysed do not endorse a uniform model of decentralisation. On the contrary, it is possible to outline several sub models, spanning from the federalism of the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau to the failed local government system in Nauru. Nevertheless, the different solutions adopted all reflect the need to meet the challenges of the geographic dispersion and of the inclusion of the traditional chiefs.