Emerging Micronesian island nations: challenges for United States policy

Abstract

This thesis is a study of Micronesia and its various peoples. It is an introduction to the geography and history of a region that is not well known, but rendered strategically important, at one time to Japan, and presently to the United States. micronesia is one of three major regions of the Pacific. The others are Melanesia and Polynesia. The region's inhabitants, Micronesians, are a diverse group of people with a blend of several different ethnicities, languages, and cultures, Over half of these people are Americans, and they occupy a place of importance in the national interest of the United States. For both historic and strategic reasons, the United States stands to gain by increasing its present level of support to the Micronesian Islands, including its territories, and their inhabitants as they pursue a better future of peace, quiet, and prosperity. Without an enhanced American support, the islanders will lag further in development and will look more attractive to other nations, particularly Japan, China, and Korea.