FAILED AND VULNERABLE STATES

Towards a Political Science of South Pacific Regionalism

Inaugural Lecture, 30 April 2004
by Allan Patience
Professor of Political Science
The University of Papua New Guinea

Professor Patience suggests that PNG is a "vulnerable state" - not a failed state. He says there are ways out of the current dilemmas confronting this well endowed and potentially successful country. They involve thinking politically, in the very best sense of that ambiguous term - painting big political pictures, and dreaming great political dreams.

PNG needs a new generation of inspirational leaders in PNG's public life - leaders with both passion and perspective. And this new generation needs a good grounding in the systematic study of politics.

We have to combine theory and practice richly, providing not a pedagogy of the oppressed, but a curriculum for independent, critical, resourceful, and public-spirited, free citizens.

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Failed and Vulnerable States by Allan Patience [ pdf ]