These Islands

For much of that time, we were just platform islands from which American power could be projected to real battlefields. For most of Micronesia, just denying potential adversaries—as in, “strategic denial”—was sufficient.

  A U.S. territory in the Pacific is clearly a colony by any definition. Colonies are defined based on their lack of full participation in

These Islands By Robert Underwood We are in the middle of the Trump-induced chaos, and while we are uncertain about where it will take...

In Longworth 1324, the Natural Resources Committee conducts business related to the territories.

Christmas season is upon us. Most of us spend some time wondering what to put under the Christmas tree and how to keep that information from

 In the conversation over the military build-up in Guahan, critics are sometimes assaulted with what some people think is a knockout blow. D

On Oct. 1, 2024, Palau marked the 30th anniversary of its independence. The two other freely associated states, the Federated States of...

The United States is in the middle of a very difficult time in selecting its next president. There are self-proclaimed voices of “joy”...

The Compact Impact Fairness Act is now the law of the land. It is unclear what effects this legislation will have in the long run. It...

The current crisis in New Caledonia/Kanaky over the next step for self-determination does not seem to connect to Guahan’s quest for...

The 15-member delegation of the Federated States of Micronesia visiting China last month has set off a lot of conversations and...

The recent approval of the Compacts of Free Association in Micronesia, Palau and the Marshalls has apparently resolved many of the dire...

During the past year, there have been several dramatic statements and legislation related to the renewal of the Compacts of Free...

As we await the passage of the Compacts of Free Association, there are always underlying perceptions and avenues of thought that frame...

The Pacific Island Forum concluded last month in Rarotonga Cook Islands with a significant American presence. The United States'...

The basic question about Guahan’s political identity has always been part of the Guahan reality since 1899. Is Guahan part of the United...

August was a busy month for federal travel to Guahan. The island was treated to the “scoping” meetings on the Enhanced Integrated Air and...

There is legislation moving through Congress in combination with the Compact of Free Association agreements entitled the Compact Impact...

The struggle over Micronesia has barely started. China’s initiatives in the broader Pacific region, naval presence near Guahan and...

Over the years of dealing with Guam’s political status, the island has buffeted between being a non-self-governing territory and a...

The end of the negotiations between Ambassador Joseph Yun and the freely associated states is only 50 percent of the struggle to...

In today’s Pacific island world, there is no shortage of regional efforts, meetings and organizations. If you have an idea and cannot...

What are the threats to Pacific solidarity? The state of Pacific island solidarity in the midst of a serious crisis pertaining to climate...

One of the oddest slogans ever used in Guahan was “America in Asia.” Of course, it was an attempt to generate economic interest by...

Pacific island solidarity is at the core of Pacific island aspirations for the future. Going back to an earlier time when leaders spoke...

The FAS negotiations with China, Compact impact in the background and nuclear issues in the foreground In Micronesia, we live in an...

There are two items that should concern us in the Pacific island region. One, the ongoing crisis in the Taiwan Straits, which threatens...

The Pacific Island Forum is under a great deal of stress and some confusion these days due to the sudden withdrawal of Kiribati a few...

Independence Day is the greatest day in the American calendar. It is the day the English colonies declared their independence from King...

Last month, Rear Adm. Ben Nicholson, commander of the Joint Region Marianas, told the Guahan community: “I don’t want you to be alarmed.”...

A recently signed Security Cooperation Framework Agreement between the Solomon Islands and China has generated more attention to the...

In the middle of the international attention to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the freely associated states seem to be finally getting...

When island leaders are asked what is the major security challenge in the island Pacific, they uniformly reply “climate change.” This has...

This is a great time to be president of the three freely associated states (FAS). Presidents David Panuelo of the Federates States of...

The ancient CHamorus and most traditional Pacific Islanders traded away lots of goods for “iron.” Pacific Islanders were familiar with...

The definition of “region” in the Pacific has always been an issue that divides as much as it unifies. How we define a geographic region...

The recent Australia United Kingdom United States (AUKUS) agreement on nuclear submarines has much of the world scratching their heads....

September will give us in Guahan and the United States two historical dates. They could have a great deal to do with our future in these...

There is nothing more revealing about the conditions of our existence than our income and our health. We expend great effort in acquiring...

What is the difference between a label, a category and an identity marker? When we say we are something, we are embracing an identity...

Two events of international significance have potentially dramatic effects on these islands on both sides of the equator. The first is...

I had a long-distance relationship with the infamous George Wallace, the segregationist governor of Alabama. It was born in the civil...

Palau President Surangel Whipps Pr. recently announced he was going to Taiwan as part of a tourism bubble between the two island nations....

For decades, islanders in the Pacific have been enthralled by concepts of regional unity and regional action. Beginning with the...

Following speech was delivered March 2, 2021 on the occasion of the 500th anniversary commemoration of the circumnavigation It is a...

In the middle of the pandemic, we are experiencing many things. We are having panic attacks, maniacal purchasing, emotional outbursts,...

In formal conferences, public meetings and private conversations over self-determination and self-government, we are treated to a series...