Many Australians have an idea of New Caledonia. It’s just two hours away by plane and is sold to travellers with images of luxurious hotel complexes and pristine beaches.

But riots in the capital, a state of emergency and the intervention of the French military have been reminders that the future of New Caledonia is a fraught political question sitting on our doorstep.

So, what provoked the unrest? How are we involved? And why are the French still trying to hold on to a Pacific nation?

Today, journalist Nic Maclellan, on the tension in the Pacific he’s covered for decades, and Kanak independence activist Jimmy Naouna, on his hopes for the future of New Caledonia.

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Guest: Journalist, Nic Maclellan; Spokesperson for New Caledonian pro-independence alliance, the FLNKS, Jimmy Naouna.