‘American Lake’ or Ka Moana Nui?: Demilitarization movements in the Asia-Pacific
Since the 1890s, the US has treated the Pacific ocean as an ‘American Lake’. Today, it seeks a drastic expansion of military bases in the region, primarily to contain a rising China. But movements against US bases in the Asia-Pacific are rising up and declaring a different vision of Ka Moana Nui (the great ocean) as a zone of peace and security through peoples’ solidarity. The voices of peoples of the Pacific are rarely heard in the US. Find out about demilitarization efforts in the Asia-Pacific and how people in the U.S. can be in solidarity. Participants will gain a better understanding of: 1) the crucial role of Pacific islands to the maintenance and expansion of American Empire; 2) the disastrous impacts this network of bases has on the countries and peoples of the Asia-Pacific; and 3) the movements that are resisting U.S. militarization in the Pacific. This will be a panel discussion with representatives from Asia-Pacific nations who are knowledgeable and active in anti-bases struggles. The format will be a panel discussion with some multimedia aids. Activists working on anti-bases movements in Hawai’i, Guahan/Guam, and Korea will be on a panel.
Look to Aotearoa for your inspiration !. In the mid 80s, our the Prime Minister (David Lange) required the US Navy to divulge information as to whether US naval vessels were nuclear powered or carrying nuclear weapons. When the US State dept refused, the US Navy was politely asked never to return (thus ending ANZUS). Greenpeace was born there and ended Frances nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll. Our State Dept also refused to send our Navy to Kahoolave in the early 80s for exercises, thus starting the movement by Native Hawaiians in that islands defence.
If a small nation like Aotearoa (with 3.6 million people) can tell the US Federal govt where to go, why cant the millions of US citizens who are becoming increasingly distrustful of this Military/Industrial complex do the same ?.
My dream is to see the peoples of the Polynesian triangle form their own league of nations & throw out the US, French & Chilean occupiers.
KIA KAHA
ZLand