Identity Politics and Climate Diplomacy in Small States with a

Focus on Enhancing International Discourse Power through

Identity Construction in Fiji

Boran He

Department of English, School of Foreign Languages, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China

Keywords: Identity Construction, Climate Diplomacy, Global Climate Governance, Climate Justice.

Abstract: This study investigates the strategic transformation of Fiji, a Pacific small island developing state (SIDS),

within the context of global climate governance. Faced with the existential threat of climate change, Fiji has

actively adopted innovative strategies to transition its identity from that of a "victim" to a "leader." The study

examines three central aspects: Fiji's narrative strategies for identity construction, the use of the Talanoa Di-

alogue as an innovative tool for enhancing international discourse power, and the implementation of blue

economy policies to achieve sustainable development. Using qualitative case study methodology, the findings

demonstrate Fiji's success in leveraging moral narratives, regional cooperation, and inclusive policy innova-

tions to gain international recognition and leadership. This research contributes to the understanding of iden-

tity construction in international relations and provides practical guidance for other SIDS navigating the chal-

lenges of climate diplomacy.

1 INTRODUCTION

Small island developing states (SIDS) are among the

most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,

facing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and

existential threats to their socio-economic systems.

Despite these challenges, some SIDS have leveraged

their unique positions to play proactive roles in global

climate governance. Fiji, a prominent Pacific island

nation, stands out as a pioneer in this regard.

This study focuses on Fiji's strategic

transformation in global climate diplomacy, with an

emphasis on its shift from being perceived primarily

as a "victim" of climate change to a "leader"

advocating for inclusive and equitable governance.

Specifically, the research addresses three core

questions:

1. How does Fiji construct and project its identity

in global climate governance?

2. What is the role of the Talanoa Dialogue, an

innovative governance tool introduced by Fiji, in

enhancing its international discourse power?

3. How do Fiji's blue economy strategies

contribute to its long-term survival and leadership in

promoting sustainable development?

The significance of this study lies in its theoretical

and practical contributions. Theoretically, it

examines identity construction as a tool for small

states to enhance their agency in international

relations. Practically, it provides a blueprint for other

SIDS aiming to strengthen their global influence

amidst climate crises.

The remainder of this paper is structured as

follows: The Literature Review explores existing

research on SIDS, identity politics, and Fiji's climate

diplomacy. The Methodology outlines the qualitative

case study approach and data sources. The Results

section presents Fiji's three-phase identity

transformation, while the Discussion elaborates on its

implications and limitations. Finally, the Conclusion

highlights the key findings and suggests avenues for

future research.

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Victim Narratives and Moral

Identity

SIDS are often positioned as the "first-line victims"

of climate change due to their high vulnerability to

environmental and socio-economic impacts. Scholars

argue that these states leverage their vulnerability

He, B.

Identity Politics and Climate Diplomacy in Small States with a Focus on Enhancing International Discourse Power through Identity Construction in Fiji.

DOI: 10.5220/0013999400004912

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Innovative Education and Social Development (IESD 2025), pages 461-466

ISBN: 978-989-758-779-5

461

narratives to construct a moral identity, appealing to

the international community for justice and support.

Farbotko and Lazrus highlight the use of "climate

refugee" narratives by Pacific SIDS to garner

resources and attention (Farbotko and Lazrus, 2012).

They argue that while these narratives can secure aid,

they also risk reinforcing perceptions of helplessness

(Farbotko and Lazrus, 2012). Similarly, Li Zhiqing

and Yang Lu emphasize the strategic use of moral

discourse to build an image of "climate victims,"

which strengthens their voice in global negotiations

(Li and Yang, 2021). Barnett provides empirical

evidence of the multi-dimensional impacts of climate

change on SIDS, reinforcing the legitimacy of their

victimhood claims (Barnett, 2017). Betzold

emphasizes the challenges and strategies faced by

small island developing states in adapting to climate

change, highlighting the importance of international

support and local knowledge in formulating effective

adaptation strategies (Betzold, 2015).

2.2 Policy Innovation in Climate

Diplomacy

Recent studies reveal how SIDS, particularly Fiji, has

transitioned from "victims" to "leaders" through

policy innovation. A notable example is the Talanoa

Dialogue, introduced by Fiji during its presidency of

the 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP23).

Jiang Shanshan examines how the Talanoa

Dialogue fosters inclusive participation and

transparency in global climate governance (Jiang,

2022). This mechanism allows Fiji to project

leadership by emphasizing collaborative problem-

solving. Xu Chengfei highlights the blue economy as

a vital innovation for SIDS, demonstrating how it

integrates sustainability with economic resilience

(Xu, 2021). Moncada further connects Fiji's

initiatives to broader efforts in promoting sustainable

development goals (SDGs), positioning the nation as

a trailblazer among SIDS (Moncada, 2019).

2.3 Regional Cooperation and

Discourse Power

Regional alliances play a critical role in amplifying

the collective voice of SIDS. Research indicates that

Pacific island nations have increasingly engaged in

strategic cooperation to enhance their influence in

global climate negotiations.

Zhang Minghua discusses how SIDS utilize the

United Nations framework and regional

organizations to consolidate their bargaining power

(Zhang, 2019). The Talanoa Dialogue serves not only

as Fiji's innovation but also as a representative case of

regional collaboration. Doyle and Chaturvedi identify

"Global South" alliances as a key strategy for SIDS to

push for equitable resource distribution and climate

justice (Doyle and Chaturvedi, 2010).

2.4 Fiji's Unique Contributions

As a case study, Fiji exemplifies how SIDS can

transition from a victim identity to that of a leader in

global climate governance. Three key contributions

stand out: Firstly, it is the identity construction of Fiji

in global climate issues. Barnett and Waters analyze

Fiji's efforts to reposition itself as a "climate leader,"

shifting the narrative from vulnerability to action and

innovation (Barnett and Waters, 2016). Secondly, it

is the innovation and practice of Fiji's climate policy

in the face of global warming. The Talanoa Dialogue

and the Blue Economy Strategy are emphasized as

pioneering tools for inclusive governance and

sustainable development (Xu, 2021). Lastly, it is the

increasing discourse power of Fiji in global climate

warming. The Fijian government has successfully

raised its voice in climate negotiations by utilizing

moral narratives and multilateral platforms (Li and

Yang, 2021).

2.5 Gaps in Existing Research

While prior studies provide valuable insights, gaps

remain in understanding the longitudinal impact of

Fiji's leadership strategies on global climate

governance. Additionally, few studies explore the

replicability of Fiji's model for other SIDS,

particularly those with differing geopolitical contexts.

This research addresses these gaps by analyzing Fiji's

identity construction and policy innovations as a

comprehensive case study.

3 METHODOLOGY

This study adopts a qualitative case study approach to

examine Fiji's practices in global climate governance,

focusing on its transition from a "victim" to a

"leader." The methodology is designed to address the

core research questions and provide an in-depth

understanding of Fiji's strategies.

3.1 Case Selection Rationale

Fiji was selected as the case study due to its prominent

role in global climate diplomacy. As the first SIDS to

preside over a COP meeting (COP23), Fiji has

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demonstrated innovative approaches to addressing

climate challenges. Its initiatives, such as the Talanoa

Dialogue, have been widely recognized and adopted

in international governance frameworks, making it a

valuable case for analysis.

3.2 Research Design

The case study method was chosen to capture the

complexity and uniqueness of Fiji's approach. This

method allows for a detailed exploration of the

mechanisms, narratives, and policies that underpin

Fiji's identity construction in global climate

diplomacy. This study revolves around the

construction of a three-stage identity transformation

model: that is, Fiji's government shifting its identity

in global climate change from victim to adopter to

leader. In the victim stage, this study will examine

how Fiji utilizes its vulnerability to climate change to

gain moral support. In the adopter stage, this study

will analyze how Fiji employs innovative tools, such

as the Talanoa Dialogue and Blue Economy policies,

to strengthen its adaptive capacity. In the leader stage,

this study will investigate how Fiji positions itself as

a global leader through inclusive governance and

international cooperation.

3.3 Data Sources

This study, to ensure a comprehensive analysis, relies

on three main sources of data during the research

process: First are the policy documents, such as the

official records of the Talanoa Dialogue, relevant

parts of the Paris Agreement, and the outcomes of

COP23. Second are media reports, including

international media coverage of Fiji's climate

diplomacy practices and the diverse perspectives of

global stakeholders. Lastly, academic research

literature, where the study will compile over 30

academic articles focusing on small island developing

states, identity politics, and Fiji's contributions to

climate governance.

3.4 Analytical Methods

This study, to address the research question, primarily

employed two complementary analytical methods:

narrative analysis and content analysis. The first

research method examined how Fiji constructs and

presents its identity through moral and strategic

narratives. It focused on the framing of Fiji's "victim"

and "leader" identities and the role that vulnerability

and inclusivity played in these narratives. The second

analytical method systematically analyzed the

content of policy documents, media reports, and

academic literature to seek out relevant discourses

that would support the theme of this study and the

strategies adopted by Fiji.

4 RESULTS

This section presents the findings of Fiji’s identity

transformation in global climate governance,

focusing on three phases: Victim Phase, Adopter

Phase, and Leader Phase

4.1 Victim Phase: Leveraging

Vulnerability Narratives

Fiji initially positioned itself as a "victim" of climate

change, emphasizing its extreme vulnerability to

rising sea levels, severe weather events, and socio-

economic disruptions. This narrative played a

significant role in several aspects: Firstly, it helped to

secure international assistance and moral support. By

positioning itself as a direct victim of climate change,

Fiji was able to evoke sympathy and a sense of moral

responsibility from the international community.

Through international platforms, such as the United

Nations, particularly in negotiations under the United

Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(UNFCCC), Fiji highlighted its extreme vulnerability

and urgent needs, gaining moral support from various

quarters. For instance, Fiji is considered one of the

most vulnerable to rising sea levels, which has further

heightened global concern about climate change,

especially in vulnerable regions such as island states.

Secondly, it attracted funding and technical support.

Fiji's "victim" narrative successfully drew funding

and technical support from developed countries. The

most significant forms of support came from the

Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other climate change-

related funds and mechanisms. Developed countries

provided financial and technical assistance through

these mechanisms to help Fiji cope with the impacts

of climate change. Specifically, Fiji received funding

for climate adaptation and mitigation, which was used

to build more resilient infrastructure, early warning

systems, and to enhance the climate resilience of

agriculture and fisheries. Additionally, Fiji received

technical assistance to develop climate information

systems and improve its climate change monitoring

capabilities. Lastly, it drew attention to small island

states. Fiji's advocacy raised global awareness of the

unique challenges faced by small island states,

particularly their vulnerability to climate change. This

attention was not only based on the frequency of

Identity Politics and Climate Diplomacy in Small States with a Focus on Enhancing International Discourse Power through Identity

Construction in Fiji

463

natural disasters but also on the long-term impacts on

socio-economic structures and livelihoods. Fiji's

voice in international climate negotiations advanced

discussions on "climate justice," arguing that

developed countries should provide more financial

and technical support for the climate adaptation of

small island states. Small island states typically lack

the resources and capacity to cope with climate

change, so Fiji emphasized this unequal impact,

calling for global governance structures to pay more

attention to fairness and justice, especially in terms of

funding allocation and technology transfer.

Moreover, Fiji's victim perspective also reinforced

the stance of small island states. Fiji's advocacy also

drew attention to the overall survival and

development of small island states, emphasizing that

global climate policies need to consider the specific

needs and challenges of these countries. By

positioning itself as one of the most direct victims of

climate change, Fiji not only secured more support for

itself but also helped other similar island nations gain

more attention and support in climate negotiations.

4.2 Adopter Phase: Policy Innovation

and Adaptive Strategies

Based on the narratives of the victims, Fiji has

adopted innovative policies and strategies to enhance

its resilience and leadership role. Two key initiatives

during this phase are the Talanoa Dialogue and the

Blue Economy Development Strategy. Specifically,

Fiji proposed the "Talanoa Dialogue" framework

during its tenure as the President of the Conference of

the Parties to the United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change (COP23). This

framework, based on Fiji's traditional culture,

emphasizes building trust and promoting cooperation

in global climate negotiations through open and

inclusive dialogue. The Talanoa Dialogue advocates

for non-confrontational communication, aiming to

facilitate more transparent discussions on climate

issues of common concern, creating more favorable

conditions for reaching global climate agreements.

Furthermore, Fiji has proposed and implemented the

"Blue Economy" framework, which combines

sustainable economic development with the

protection of marine resources, including sustainable

fisheries, marine protected areas, and the

development of marine renewable energy. This

framework not only enhances Fiji's voice in global

climate governance but also provides other small

island states with effective climate adaptation

strategies, gradually reducing their dependence on

external aid. Through these innovative initiatives, Fiji

has not only strengthened its own climate resilience

but also provided valuable experience for global

climate action.

4.3 Leader Phase: Enhancing

International Discourse Power

During the leadership phase, Fiji successfully

transitioned from a victim of climate change to an

advocate for global climate action by taking on the

important role of COP23 president. This shift not only

indicated an increase in Fiji's influence on climate

issues but also reflected its significant role as a unique

intermediary in international politics. Firstly, Fiji

leveraged its special status on the issue of global

warming, particularly as part of the Global South

(developing countries), representing those nations

that are highly vulnerable to climate change but have

limited resources. By serving as the COP23 president,

Fiji not only showcased to the world the direct threat

of climate change to island nations but also brought

more attention to the voices of these countries. In this

process, Fiji chose not to confront major powers (such

as the United States and China) directly but instead

sought balance in global climate policies through its

intermediary role, acting as a bridge between the

North and the South. Secondly, Fiji successfully

rallied the voices of countries from the Global South,

especially Pacific island nations, African countries,

and other developing nations, by actively promoting

the issue of "climate justice." These countries face

similar threats from climate change, and therefore,

Fiji's efforts during COP23 focused on advancing

climate finance, technology transfer, and climate

adaptation plans to ensure that these vulnerable

countries receive the necessary support. By

conveying the demands of these countries to the

international community, Fiji formed a powerful

alliance that secured a certain level of discourse

power in the formulation of global climate policies.

The alliance formed by Fiji and other climate-

vulnerable countries, particularly Pacific island

nations, collectively demanded that major powers

take on more responsibility for climate financing and

emission reductions. The formation of this alliance

not only made Fiji a spokesperson for climate justice

but also enhanced the collective bargaining power of

these countries on the international stage.

Additionally, under Fiji's advocacy, multiple

countries and regions issued joint statements during

COP23, calling on wealthy nations to fulfill their

climate financing commitments and to secure more

rights for developing countries in global climate

governance. Fiji played the role of coordinator in

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these joint positions, facilitating a unified climate

demand through communication with other small

island states and climate-vulnerable countries. This

strategy not only made the formulation of global

climate policies more inclusive but also enhanced

Fiji's leadership in international climate negotiations.

Finally, by serving as the COP23 president, Fiji

successfully shaped its leadership image in global

climate governance, particularly in advocating for

global climate justice. Fiji not only played the role of

intermediary on climate issues but also enhanced its

international discourse power through this role. Its

leadership at COP23 won global attention for Fiji,

making it an indispensable participant in climate

negotiations. In summary, through its actions during

the COP23 presidency, Fiji not only successfully

played the role of intermediary but also, by promoting

the unity of vulnerable countries, enhanced the

fairness of global climate policies. This phase of Fiji

in climate governance not only reinforced the

collective stance of Global South countries but also

demonstrated how small nations can gain influence

on global issues through clever diplomatic strategies.

5 DISCUSSION

This section examines the broader implications of

Fiji's identity transformation in global climate

governance, highlights its policy and theoretical

contributions, and acknowledges the challenges and

limitations of its approach.

5.1 Broader Implications

Fiji has significantly enhanced its influence by

building and transforming its role in the context of

global warming. First, by employing identity politics

to empower small states. Fiji's successful practice of

identity politics in the context of global warming

demonstrates that, despite limited resources and

discourse status, small states can enhance their

international discourse power by strategically

constructing and presenting their identity in specific

international events. Second, successfully influencing

the policy choices of global climate governance. Fiji's

innovative policy initiatives in the face of global

warming, such as the Talanoa Dialogue and the Blue

Economy Development Strategy, address climate

change issues through honest and respectful means,

seeking solutions to climate problems with equal

inclusiveness and mutual trust among different

economies, providing innovative explorations for

related policies on global warming. Finally, it has

served as a demonstration effect for other small island

developing countries. Fiji's leadership role provides a

blueprint for other small states seeking to enhance

their global influence, strengthens the confidence of

small island developing countries in participating in

solving global climate issues, and provides a solid

foundation for cooperation among the relevant island

nations.

5.2 Policy and Practical Contributions

Fiji has made a solid contribution to solving this

global issue through a series of measures on the topic

of global warming. Firstly, Fiji has promoted the

realization of global climate justice and fairness. In

the context of global warming, developing countries

face more severe difficulties than developed

countries. Adhering to the principle of "common but

differentiated responsibilities," Fiji emphasizes the

moral responsibility of developed countries to

provide financial and technical support to developing

countries, a notion that has advanced the realization

of global climate justice. Secondly, through the Blue

Economy strategy, Fiji has achieved sustainable

development. The Blue Economy strategy combines

environmental protection with economic resilience,

providing a practical and replicable model for small

island developing countries. This model is more

universally applicable and offers innovative methods

for developing countries.

5.3 Challenges and Limitations

Fiji's identity construction in the context of global

warming also faces numerous problems and

challenges. Firstly, the limited domestic resources of

Fiji have led to many constraints. Despite the

achievements in identity construction, it still faces

limitations due to limited financial and technological

resources, which is a common issue faced by

developing countries. Secondly, the issue of

geopolitical marginalization. In today's world order,

Fiji is faced with a global governance system

dominated by superpowers. Its government needs to

continuously strive for common interests with major

powers or engage in policy innovation to maintain its

visibility and the effectiveness of its discourse within

the global governance system. Finally, the

replicability of the Fijian model is in question. The

applicability of Fiji's strategies to other small island

developing countries depends on different

geopolitical and cultural contexts. Other small island

developing countries need to find the universality in

Fiji's policy innovations and combine it with the

Identity Politics and Climate Diplomacy in Small States with a Focus on Enhancing International Discourse Power through Identity

Construction in Fiji

465

particularities of their own specific national

conditions to find a development path suitable for

their own countries.

6 CONCLUSION

Fiji's journey in global climate governance

exemplifies how small island developing states

(SIDS) can strategically navigate international

systems to amplify their voice and influence. This

study explored Fiji's transition through three identity

phases—victim, adopter, and leader—revealing how

the nation leveraged moral narratives, innovative

policies, and regional cooperation to achieve its goals.

6.1 Key Findings

This study explores the identity construction of Fiji in

the context of global warming and has identified the

following key findings. Firstly, Fiji has completed a

transformation from a victim to a leader. Fiji

demonstrates a strategic identity shift by utilizing

narratives of vulnerability, adopting innovative tools,

and promoting inclusive strategies. Secondly, Fiji has

explored innovative policy tools. The Talanoa

Dialogue and the Blue Economy Framework reflect

Fiji's leadership position in climate diplomacy.

Lastly, Fiji has enhanced its regional and global

influence on climate issues. Fiji's leadership has

inspired other countries vulnerable to climate impacts

to adopt similar strategies.

6.2 Limitations

Although the case study method used in this research

provides a detailed examination of Fiji's identity

construction in the international issue of global

warming, it also has its limitations. Due to Fiji's

unique geopolitical and cultural background, the

findings of this study may not be directly applicable

to other small island developing countries and require

specific analysis based on the actual conditions of

each country. Furthermore, since the data sources

include some subjective textual content, such as

media reports, they may introduce biases or

incomplete perspectives. To mitigate the limitations

as much as possible, this study cross-referenced

multiple textual data sources and incorporated the

perspectives of regional and international

stakeholders.

6.3 Future Research

Comparative studies of other SIDS and longitudinal

analyses of Fiji’s strategies are essential to explore

the broader applicability and sustainability of its

approach. By aligning moral authority, policy

innovation, and regional collaboration, Fiji has

contributed significantly to global climate

governance.

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