Post-conflict resource development and state formation in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville

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The research will focus on local factors affecting the institutional formation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), a sub-national entity of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Conflict over resources has been a tragic feature of Bougainville’s recent history, most notably the uprising in 1989 that sabotaged the giant Panguna copper mine and led to a civil war that resulted in an estimated 20,000 deaths. In 2001 a peace agreement was signed with PNG, bringing hostilities to an end. The two governments are now engaged in a dialogue that will determine Bougainville’s future political status. A crucial issue is the need for the ABG to increase its revenues substantially if it is to be granted independence. With limited development options, extractives (minerals, gas & oil, forestry) will need to be exploited. However, given the context of widespread customary land ownership, unconsolidated state institutions, and historical incentives the risks of violence recurrence are high. To assess state formation, two sets of case studies will be prepared: one, to examine recent efforts by the ABG to develop extractive resources and to resolve conflict and maintain peace therein; another, to examine local challenges to ABG legitimacy and governance.