Suchergebnisse

The islands of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno (commonly known as Pitcairn) make up a single territory, the last remaining British Overseas Territory in the Pacific Ocean. During the period under review, two key issues shaped the territory. First, there was the continuing threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as later efforts to prepare for the reopening of the island to visitors. Despite most of the population being fully vaccinated, there were anxieties about removing the tough restrictions that had been in place for two years. Second, there were robust discussions between the Pitcairn Island Council and British government officials about funding and concerns over rising costs as a consequence of supply-side constraints and high energy prices, in part related to the war in Ukraine. This review also highlights several other developments, but it first considers Pitcairn's ongoing response to COVID-19. (Contemp Pac/GIGA)

John Connell and Robert Aldrich have been key figures in the academic literature on 'Overseas Territories' for decades. Their book The last colonies (1998) was a significant publication, not only in terms of providing a definitive review of these territories as they stood at that time, but also as an inspiration for other scholars to take up the mantle. As Connell and Aldrich note in their preface to the present volume, they argued back in 1998 that "'the last colonies' deserved more attention, not only for their innate historical and cultural interest but for the commercial, political and military stakes they represented" (p. v). If the 52-page bibliography is anything to go by, the authors have been successful in inspiring new scholars from across the globe to consider these territories that have often been described pejoratively as 'confetti of empire', 'the last pink bits', or 'remnants and debris'. Through the 500-odd pages of their new book, Connell and Aldrich give, as one might expect, due regard to the territories and how they have developed and been shaped and buffeted by both internal and external events and forces. Indeed, a great deal has happened to them over the last two decades, including constitutional change, significant inward and outward population flows, and internal civil strife; all within the context of notable external events such as 9/11, the global financial crisis, climate change, and most recently Covid-19. But importantly, Connell and Aldrich do not frame the Overseas Territories as victims, but rather as robust and pro-active actors in the global system. [excerpt] ; N/A

Over recent decades, the relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and its Overseas Territories (OTs) has been a generally strong one, with political and economic safeguards in place, bolstered by increasing levels of support from the European Union (EU). Of course there have been strains and tensions in relations, but significant advantages have accrued to the territories. This article takes as its starting-point several key observations made previously by experts in the field and uses them to analyse the condition of relations between the UK and its territories within the context of recent events. In particular, the claim by Godfrey Baldacchino that non-sovereign territories benefit from the support of a "benevolent mainland patron" is considered. Based on a review of recent statements, newspaper articles and policy documents, this article argues that the UK's benevolence to its OTs has been placed under serious pressure by three recent and unrelated events: the UK's decision to leave the EU; its sub-optimal response to the damage caused in several territories by Hurricane Irma; and the resolve of the UK Parliament to impose stricter controls on the OTs' offshore financial sectors. ; peer-reviewed