ABSTRACT
This chapter defines sovereignty in terms of the relationships between Pacific Island states and their donors or metropolitan partners. It considers the ways in which Pacific officials engage with the global aid environment and adapt these concepts and principles to regional and national contexts. The chapter explores the attitudes, practices and daily interactions that illustrate the ways in which Pacific Island agency is exercised and performed with regard to development sovereignty. Cook Islands receive aid from a number of countries, but New Zealand has traditionally been its largest donor. Recently, however, the People's Republic of China has emerged as a significant donor. In developing island nations such as Samoa, the integration into the global economy has led to severe fossil fuel dependence. The successful introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) would allow the Samoan transport sector to reduce fuel imports if experiences from other island nations are applicable to Samoa.
