Soviet Perceptions of the South Pacific in the 1980s

The South Pacific, a huge region with a strong Christian tradition, a powerful American and European presence, and increasing Soviet interest, is being thrust into the forefront of international affairs. Anti-American and anti-French feeling is growing. Nuclear testing in Micronesia and French Polynesia has aroused furious reaction, which is partly responsible for the recent Raratonga Treaty that seeks to make the South Pacific a nuclear-free zone. In New Zealand, David Lange's Labor Party has banned U.S. ships carrying nuclear weapons from visiting New Zealand ports. The Fijian Labor Party came to power with the same policy before it was deposed in a coup. Many in the South Pacific would like to avoid a potential superpower conflict, and take their region down a non-confrontational "Pacific way". At the same time, the coups in Fiji and unrest in New Caledonia highlight the complex ethnic issues within the region itself. It is a very diverse area, peopled with both native and immigrant populations, where industrialized countries exist alongside tiny island states. In this context, USSR fishing agreements with Kiribati and Vanuatu have focused what appears to be a growing Soviet interest and even presence in the area. Soviet perceptions of the South Pacific are a key to understanding Soviet Pacific foreign policy and an indication of ideological thinking; they provide insight into how the Soviets adapt their thinking and policy to a complex area.