australia and oceania

A subject to often ignored by every audience in the world is of the pacific islands. I suggest everyone read, if not this book, a book on the pacific islands because of their extermely unique situation in history, not to be found anywhere in the rest of the world. For this work, Dr Crocombe focuses on the relationship between the United States and the islands that stretch across the Pacific Ocean. One the great aspects of this work is its effort to encompass all fronts of this relationship. From the diaspora of islanders in the US to the unusual legalities of territoral claims by the USA. The one key problem, however, is not with the work itself. In the recent past, since the book was published in 1995, many aspects of this relationship have been altered, reevaluated, or redirected. For example, the momentum of the Hawaii sovereignty movement has quieted, territorial claims in Micronesia were forthcoming at the turn of the century, and Japanese economic strength and hegemony has continued to decline. Perhaps, Dr. Crocombe analysis might have become out of touch with the relationship as it stands today. This, however, should not underestimate this great comprehensive and concise work. It would be fabulous for use as an university text because of its clarity and its ability to encompass all audiences interests.