Uncharted Waters: Has the Cook Islands Become Eligible for Membership in the United Nations?

Abstract

The paper gives in depth consideration to whether the Cook Islands could become a member of the UnitedNations.The author concludes that a Cook Islands application for UN membership would be successful, and undoubtedly UN membership would provide advantages for the Cook Islands and its residents. Whether it will become a reality is a political decision that is one aspect of what it means for a State and its people to exercise the treasured right to self-determination. As such, it is a decision that rests solely with the government and people of the Cook Islands.