Book review : Statehood 脿 la carte in the Caribbean and the Pacific : secession, regionalism and postcolonial politics

Abstract

It must be obvious that political self-determination is an empty goal or achievement unless it comes with, or leads to, economic development. However, judging by the outcomes of the decolonisation struggles of the latter half of the 20th century, the pursuit of political independence and sovereign statehood has been littered with failed development, indebtedness, corruption, mismanagement, ethnic strife and civil war, coups, military adventures and autocracy. Even for countries that have significant natural resources, their post-colonial situation leaves much to be desired. Many scholars continue to dissect the reasons behind these dashed hopes.