Accountability ecosystems political economy analysis: Palau country study

“Palauan society is complex and multi-layered. It has a proud and vibrant traditional social system that shapes the social roles and responsibilities of individuals within family, clan and village units by markers such as gender, traditional titles and age (Hassall 2009). Palau also has a long and complex history of international engagement compared with other Pacific states. This is influenced by its colonial history, current free association agreement with the United States of America (US), high number of migrant labourers and its geographic positioning closer to Asia than to most other Pacific states. As a result of these influences, accountability in Palau is a dynamic combination of longstanding social norms, formal governance procedures (strongly influenced by the US) and shifting mores shaped by global influences.”