New Caledonia

This chapter focuses on New Caledonia, an example of a decolonial movement. It tracks the development of the movement since the 1960s and follows the different tactics it used at different points in time. The chapter also elaborates the tactics of compellence of New Caledonia, which involved nonviolent civil resistance, the use of violence, and electoral capture. It details how French democracy gradually enfranchised the indigenous group, the Kanaks, and gave them political voice. The chapter presents the independence effort in New Caledonia led by the Kanaks and other ethnic groups including immigrants from France, elements of the white settler community, and Wallisians. It then introduces a new period of cultural movement known as the Kanak Awakening, and its greatest leader, Jean-Marie Tjibaou from the east coast of Grand Terre. Ultimately, the chapter argues that Caledonia differs most from the other movements in this study, for, unlike them, it is classified as a non-self-governing territory and therefore eligible for independence via the path of decolonization.