Decolonisation Politics in New Caledonia 1978 to 2018: A Negotiation Analysis

Abstract

This thesis investigates how the pro-independence and loyalist groups in New Caledonia have interacted amongst themselves and with the government of France during the 40 years from 1978 to 2018 on the issues of political autonomy and independence. To analyse and evaluate those interactions I adopted and adapted two frameworks – one on stages of decolonisation and one on phases of negotiations. The decolonisation framework is a synthesis of my work and that of University of Iowa sociologist David Strang. The negotiation framework is drawn from University of Auckland foreign policy specialist Associate Professor Stephen Hoadley’s research. This thesis notes how historical and ethnic divisions, differences and clashes have prolonged the negotiations and made them tortuous. My employment of decolonisation stages and negotiation phases has facilitated the charting of New Caledonia’s political progression; from early colonial subordination, through four decades of partial reforms, to a degree of autonomy. But independence has not been achieved. The present research reveals that the pro-independence parties approached negotiations tactically rather than strategically, undermining their effectiveness. The negotiation process in New Caledonia has proved to be protracted and inconclusive because it has been strongly contested by most French immigrants and indirectly by the French government. Two inconclusive referendums culminated in a third and final independence referendum in 2021, which concluded in favour of the loyalists who wished New Caledonia to remain a part of France. However, this impasse frustrated the indigenous Kanaks seeking independence. In summary, this thesis demonstrates how the employment of the decolonisation and negotiation frameworks can order and clarify the complex political events of the past four decades in New Caledonia, facilitate understanding and explanation of their outcomes as manifested in 2018, and provide a model for analysis of decolonisation processes and events elsewhere.