What is the future of governance in the South Pacific? Will the dominant form of governance in 30 years still be each (micro) state trying to do everything by itself (governing alone)? Have we reached the limits of decolonisation? Looking ahead, will the two referenda (in 2006 and 2007) on self-governance in Tokelau be regarded as the ‘high-tide mark’ of decolonisation?

In No State is an Island Andrew Ladley and Derek Gill explain how instead of ‘governing alone’ there is scope for ‘governing together’ with governments choosing from a spectrum of cooperation. State can do some things by themselves, but not everything. Increasingly, governance will be shared at local, national and pan-regional levels. Governing together, rather than alone, is the logical future – indeed, it is already starting.

This book draws on Andrew Ladley’s field research and substantial practical experience on the ground on behalf of the United Nations and other organisations in the South Pacific and in a diverse group of developing countries around the world. Derek Gill’s contribution is based on his extensive involvement in New Zealand’s economic and public sector reforms, work undertaken for the OECD, and consulting assignments on public governance issues in a wide range of developing countries.