Solomon Islands

Endemic conflict in the Solomon Islands has led to assertions of state failure at different points in the recent history of this Pacific constitutional monarchy. Comprising roughly 30 islands and many atolls, the country has proven difficult to govern even after achieving full independence on July 7, 1978. Approximately 94% of the population is ethnically Melanesian, with a small Polynesian minority. Observers have identified the main cause of conflict within the Solomon Islands as being the arrival of settlers from Malaita, the most populous island, to the capital of Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal.

Ethnic and political tensions between settlers and the indigenous people of Guadalcanal resulted in the creation of armed groups to attack and disperse Malaitan settlers (Romer & Renzaho, 2007). The ensuing ...