Fragility of Success: Repositioning Mauritian Development in the Twenty-First Century

Mauritius is often considered a ‘success story’ to be read for salutary purposes by other small island developing states (SIDS). While it does share broadly similar attributes with many other SIDS, and acts in unison with other SIDS in international fora, local histories, cultures, geography and location invariably lead to significant differences in developmental trajectories. This paper presents an assessment of Mauritian history in order to explore the contemporary threats and opportunities that face the island in its contemporary quest to transform the island into Maurice le Durable. Rather than offering Mauritius as a guide to other SIDS, it presents a useful case study of the tension between establishing social equity and carving out a functional role within the global economy.