Editing a collection of conference papers is a joint endeavour. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the following people for their valued assistance: David Hegarty of the State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Project at the ANU invited me to organise the conference on which this book is based and gave me the opportunity to edit the papers. Hank Nelson and Peter King offered excellent critical advice. Jan Borrie copy-edited with a keen eye. Sue Rider, with endless efficiency, supported the project administratively. Ben Marwick gave vital technical assistance and Duncan Beard arranged final design and publication by ANU E Press. Like all editors, I owe most to the contributors who wrote the chapters and whose book it truly is.