China's new role as an important diplomatic and economic partner of the island countries of the Pacific has attracted increasing attention in recent years. The priority of this conference in Samoa was to give full opportunity for both Pacific voices to be heard on the subject and for productive engagement and discussion between Pacific island participants and those from China.

Throughout the South Pacific, notions of ‘culture’ and ‘development’ are very much alive. The problem is to resolve the contradictions between them so as to achieve the greater good—access to material goods, welfare and amenities, ‘modern life’—without the sacrifice of the ‘traditional’ values and institutions that provide material security and sustain diverse social identities.

Issues relating to infrastructure development projects between Indonesia and China.

Numerous issues face Pacific states trying to find their way in the early 21st century. Countries are striving to secure the benefits of modernisation but development cannot be at the price of culture or the environment. Key issues including corruption, the role of customary law in modern legal systems, the place of human rights in the Pacific, environmental issues and the structure of the state.

This established and well-respected text provides a comprehensive treatment of both theory and policy debates, which include expanded material on BRIC countries, education, and regional inequalities within countries, as well as updated case studies and data throughout.

Focusing on the structural changes that are rapidly transforming the regional economic landscape in the 21st century. It highlights the concomitant challenges that have arisen and looks at the prospects and potentialities of Asian economies given this new economic environment. Also looks at broader social issues that are both the cause and result of this new and complex economic dynamism in Asia.