Global Freedom Index in the Pacific – 2018

Freedom House published its report ‚Freedom in the World 2018: Status by Population and Country’. In the Pacific Island region, the report triggers some controversies why Vanuatu and Solomon Islands are ranked higher (more political freedom) than Fiji.

Taking a closer look at the questionnaire used for this report suggests that the questions applied emphasise on political freedom and neglect to rate polity effectiveness. Ineffective institutions can lead to more political freedom, regardless of the policies these institutions aim to implement. This can explain at least partially the different rating of the countries above.