Political Issues
The current head of the state is Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II. Under his rule, the country has achieved successful results in the development of different spheres and has gained an appraisal of neighbors and partners. However, there are several politically important issues that the country is currently struggling to resolve. Firstly, since Samoa is a member of the United Nations Organization, it has to adjust its developmental standards to the requirements of the organization. Secondly, the state demonstrates challenges in the provision of free media within the framework of democratic rights. Also, one of the priorities in the political life of Samoa is the attraction of local communities and governments to the state governance system to ensure progress in all aspects of the country’s life (Meleisea et al. 8).
Economic Issues
The main spheres which enrich the Samoan economy are agriculture and fishing which, due to the climate, are the most productive. However, the harvest greatly depends on the cyclones which sometimes damage the households and impedes economic growth. The government utilizes reforming policies to introduce beneficial changes to the state economy. One of the main directions within this framework is financial reform which aims at giving more rights to the private sector, regulating the public sector, and reconstructing the tax base (Iati 153). A significant development in the tourism sphere is observed due to the attraction of foreign visitors to see the landscapes and scenery of the islands. Also, there are some attempts to incept light manufacturing to ensure production stability regardless of weather conditions which are so decisive for agriculture. The steps toward tourism and production development allow for attracting foreign investors. It all contributes to the growth of the Samoan economy.
Social Issues
The political and economic challenges that the country goes through, have their impact on the social life of the Samoan society. One of the main social problems is the growing gap between the rich population and poor citizens. The income rates vary greatly imposing inequality and forcing people to find ways to provide their families with needed things by all means. Due to these factors, street vendors appear with a growing speed which also imposes a social problem of a national level. Such a state of affairs threatens the safety of the citizens due to a possible increase in crime rates. Also, the disparities in income levels impose limited access of poor population to education. In addition, as the research conducted by Meleisea et al. shows, there is a need to address women’s rights to participate in decision-making processes at the governmental level (8). The state powers make attempts to reform the economy and politics of the country to resolve these crucial issues in the life of Samoan society. In conclusion, Samoa as a relatively young independent state has gained a certain level of political, economic, and social development. It was achieved by means of effective cooperation with neighbors and partners, as well as active participation in major international organizations. However, such issues as poverty, crime, limited opportunities for economic growth, and others become an obstacle and need to be resolved in the nearest future.
Works Cited
Iati, Iati. “Civil Society and Political Accountability in Samoa.” Pacific dynamics: Hournal of Interdisciplinary Research, vol. 1, no. 1, 2017, pp. 153-177.
Meleisea, Leasiolagi Malama, et al. Political Representation and Women’s Empowerment in Samoa. Vol. 2, National University of Samoa, 2015.