Former NZ High Commissioner presents PhD thesis on democratization in Tonga Featured
29 August, 2019. A former New Zealand Hgh Commissioner to the kingdom of Tonga, Christine Bogle, is in Nuku'alofa this week to make a presentation about her PhD thesis: Democratization in Asia - Pacific Monarchies: Drivers and Impediments.
The thesis is a study of monarchies in Bhutan, Tonga, Nepal, and Thailand.
Ms Bogle was High Commissioner in Tonga from 2008 to 2010 - a period when Tonga was amending its constitution to place more power in the hands of an elected government.
Ms Bogle said these countries were selected for her research as they were countries that have never been colonised, despite strong influences by Western powers.
She said Tonga and Bhutan succeeded in bringing reform, transitioning into democracy, but Thailand and Nepal had some difficulties, resulting in different outcomes.
Christine used to be a diplomat, serving in Peru, Italy, Spain, Tonga and Mexico - the last three as Head of Mission.
During her time with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, she became interested in multilateral diplomacy, especially in the environmental field, which stands her in good stead for her new post.
Christine is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington, with an MA (First Class Honours) in French and a BA (First Class Honours) in English and recently a PhD in Political Science.
She is now the new Executive Secretary for Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP).
