French Nuclear Colonialism : The Impact of The French Nuclear Test Campaigns on The Evolution of French Polynesia and Their Expression of French Neocolonialism

The thesis shows that the French conducted nuclear testing in French Polynesia from 1966 to 1996 as a means of retaining influence in the region while hiding behind the disguise of national safety and scientific progress. The study is based on records, stories, writing from protests and images and uses them to examine how France gained control over its nuclear technology by taking away local autonomy and removing cultural and health protections in French-run colonies. To address the main question, three further questions look at France's motivation, the effects on society and economy and the impact after 1996. Evidence shows that the French wanted to move testing to Moruroa and Fangataufa mainly to be stronger in the neocolonial and post-imperial world as a superpower, but the real reasons for the move were deep inequality and discrimination based on race and territory. Economic reliance was strengthened, many health problems were caused and indigenous identity, including their culture and traditions, was altered by both domination and resistance. Even though France proclaimed developmental achievements, the real effects involved rigorous government oversight, damage to nature and suppression of freedom. Social movements led by Moruroa e tatou, church and local political activists played a key part in switching the focus from modernization to betrayal. Efforts made after 1996 such as the Morin Law, brought only partial justice and often allowed the state to rule over what facts regarding the Terror were made known. Historiography is advanced by the thesis, as it brings Cold War thinking, postcolonial perspectives and the knowledge found in indigenous cultures together, while also treating oral accounts as proper ways to understand history. Overall, the study points out that the French nuclear tests were a form of nuclear colonialism and their effects and consequences are still being addressed today in discussions about justice and history.