Pacific

When European explorers came to the south Pacific in the sixteenth century, most islanders enjoyed the lifestyles of the richest lords in their home countries. Relative living standards for the majority of islanders in the 14 independent Pacific island states have now deteriorated to being among the lowest in the world, while small elites absorb great wealth. Crime, corruption and political unrest are the inevitable result. The research program analyses the causes of economic failure and suggests policies that would lead to modern living standards.