Christina Akanoa

Christina Akanoa serves as an Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Faculty of Business & Government at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, teaching core courses in Pacific regionalism, international relations, and conflict resolution since 2003. She coordinates Model UN competitions, UNPFII field trips to New York, and serves as Faculty Advisor for Maka’ala Human Rights Organization while maintaining active UN engagement through the Pacific Caucus.

Educational background:

• PhD in Political Science (International Relations), University of Hawaii at Manoa (2016-2026, anticipated)
• Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution, University of Hawaii at Manoa (2013-2015)
• MA in Political Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa (2001-2003)
• BA in Political Science, Brigham Young University–Hawaii (1996-2000)

Her research centers on decolonization, indigenous governance, and gender-inclusive peace processes across Oceania, with particular expertise in Cook Island and Samoan political systems. She applies intersectional frameworks like the Tivaevae model to analyze sustainable development, emphasizing how Pacific Island women navigate customary and constitutional law. Current work examines UN mechanisms for indigenous rights and regional security threats from climate change.

Publications reflect consistent focus on Pacific conflict resolution, particularly women’s roles in reconciliation processes. Her 2014 Bougainville study established foundational analysis of gendered peacebuilding, while recent conference presentations address militarization impacts on Pacific youth and indigenous knowledge systems in climate adaptation.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Educational Research Fellowship (2022)
• Faculty Citizenship Award (2022)
• GSO Scholarship, UH Manoa (2013)
• UH POSC Graduate Scholarship (2002-2003)
• Dean’s List honors (1996, 2000)

As academic advisor, she mentors through human rights organizations and cultural chapters while coordinating 50+ student internships annually. Her grant portfolio includes the 2022 Educational Research Fellowship supporting Pacific decolonization studies and prior UH Manoa conflict resolution funding. Community partnerships span the Hawaii Institute of Human Rights and UNPFII observer status.

She leads Oceania Rise initiatives promoting student activism on militarization and colonialism, while co-organizing the Proclaim Peace Conference. Current projects include expanding UNPFII field studies and developing curriculum on Pacific Futures Studies, leveraging her trilingual skills (English, Samoan, basic Maori) for community-centered research.