The Historical Roots of Disorder in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has long been a central location for theoretical innovation in Pacific ethnology. Today it is increasingly geopolitically important as China and the US seek to secure diplomatic influence in the region. This seminar examines the large-scale and spectacular violence labeled ‘tribal fighting’ which is now occurring in Enga. The lecture describes the fighting which has occurred over the past decade, explains how it is rooted in political and economic structures established by the Australian colonial administration, and explains how it is now the object of social science research funded by the American government as part of its attempt to solidify its relationship with Papua New Guinea