Dr Levi Tavita, a senior lecturer at the National University of Samoa who holds a PhD from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, launched his new book Dilemma of Power Relations in Samoa on Tuesday.

The book examines Samoa’s political and cultural power structures in the years after independence.

The launch was attended by fellow academics, including Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, Professor Letuimanu'asina Dr Emma Kruse Vaai, Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the National University of Samoa, and other Samoan studies lecturers.

The book is based on Dr Tavita’s PhD research and explores complex issues in Samoan governance, including political leadership, customary land tenure, church-state relations, and the role of democracy. Scholars have praised the work for its originality and thorough analysis of Samoa’s power dynamics.

“Dr Tavita provides a critical and comprehensive view of Samoa’s political and cultural systems,” Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva wrote. 

“This is a valuable contribution to understanding Pacific politics.”

Dr Tavita has a long career in Samoan education and media, and has published more than 15 books and 50 educational resources. He holds a PhD from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and bears the matai title Levītaumalae.

In his author’s note, Dr Tavita said the book reflects the years of research that began in 2017, focusing on Samoa’s governance and the dilemmas of political power, and remains relevant despite recent political changes in the country.