Tradition Versus Democracy in the South Pacific

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The book critically examines the interplay between tradition and democracy in Fiji, Tonga, and Western Samoa, highlighting how movements to reclaim indigenous culture may reinforce the power of elites rather than genuinely represent grassroots interests. Stephanie Lawson challenges the notion that opposition to Western democracy reflects the views of indigenous people, arguing that such perspectives are often manipulated for elite benefit. She critiques both cultural relativism and universalism for their limitations in discussing democracy, suggesting they can lead to deterministic stereotypes and an ethical void.