Publication

This paper focuses on ethnic conflict and development in Fiji. It traces the historical origins of ethnic problems on the island, the key forces which have contributed to their intensification in recent years, the various attempts made to preserve balance and accommodation and the economic, political, social and psychological impacts of the crisis in ethnic relations since 1987. The author argues that there has been a loss of régime legitimacy, destruction of democracy and violations of human rights because of the breakdown in ethnic balance and accommodation.