Customer Reviews

National Security and Self-Determination: United States Policy in Micronesia (1961-1972)

5 star:		(7)
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Howard Willens and Deanne Siemer have provided political history buffs with an exceptional account of the individual efforts of Micronesian and U.S. officials and the unusual process that the Micronesian people went through to plan a future political status for its three major island chains - the Marshalls, the Carolines, and the Northern Marianas - each with its own set of traditions and values. A significant contribution to political history, it unravels the intricate debate among the agencies, State, Defense and Interior, on such important issues as to how to reconcile the national security interests of the U.S. and its obligation under the UN Trusteeship Agreement to honor the right of self-determination of the peoples of the Trust Territory. This book is the result of 136 interviews and 70,000 pages of classified documents obtained through 5 years of litigation, and it shows. In addition, Willens and Siemer bring considerable personal experience to bear on the issues discussed. Willens, who was retained in 1972 to assist the Northern Marianas in its effort to gain U.S. commonwealth status, consequently was able to interview many of the involved people, whose stories or points of view may otherwise have remained untold. Not only are the facts of daily political maneuverings revealed for the first time, so are the personalities involved and the individual frustrations and triumphs experienced along the way. Students of politics will learn a great deal from this text. Meticulous research and excellent writing make it a five star recommendation.

So much of what happened during the political development of Micronesia now come to light as a result of this well researched book. Until now, much of what transpired during the political status negotiations required tedious search in US government archives and the Library of Congress. That is if the documents were declassified. This book is insightful.

I speak as one who has lived in the Northern Mariana Islands for more than thirty years, and who had a role in the events (I was one of those who were interviewed) and who knew and worked with many of the central figures involved in them. Willens and Siemer have written a thoroughly researched and historically accurate work, and one which I enjoyed reading immensely -- as will anyone interested in this corner of the Pacific.

Excellent and comprehensive review of US policy in Micronesia during a key period in its history. Fascinating insights into the relationships that influenced policy development. Thorough and scholarly research that should be a classic in years to come.

Excellent and comprehensive review of US policy in Microesia during a key period in its history. Fascinating insights into the relationships that influenced policy development. Thorough and scholarly research that should be a classic in years to come.

So much of what happened during the political development of Micronesia now come to light as a result of this well researched book. Until now, much of what transpired during the political status negotiations required tedious search in US government archives and the Library of Congress. That is if the documents were declassified. This book is insightful.

So mucy of what happened during the political development of Micronesia now come to light as a result of this well researched book. Until now, much of what transpired during the political status negotiations required tedious search in US government archives or the Library of Congress (if unclassified). Insightful!