Bribes, Bombs and Methamphetamine - Geopolitical Competition at the Edge of America's Empire

Abstract 

In the aftermath of World War Two, the United States claimed many of the strategically-located Pacific islands it had seized from Japan, then promptly forgot about them. Over the ensuing decades, the islands drifted into economic dependency and impoverishment. Now, they are back on the frontline of geopolitical competition, as the United States and China jockey for diplomatic influence and military advantage. And, as they do, Chinese diplomats, government assets and gangsters are exploiting America's long neglect to make remarkable inroads. 

Pete McKenzie is an investigative journalist for Reuters, The New York Times and The Guardian, among others. He is currently the Sir Harry Evans Fellow with Reuters and Durham University. His most recent dispatch exposed an expansive political influence scheme in the strategically essential island nation of Palau, where individuals tied to the Chinese government have allegedly engaged in kidnappings, killings and illegal donations to the country's most senior politicians. 

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