The Pacific has a rich royal history, but where do monarchies sit today?

"To my knowledge, it was the first time we saw a riot influenced by democracy," says Alice Lolohea, ABC's Tongan presenter for The Pacific. "People asked, if leaders overseas can be held accountable, why can't we hold ours to account?"What does monarchy mean in the Pacific today? How do these systems balance leadership, accountability, and culture, and how do they compare to Western royal ideals?In the Kingdom of Tonga, the last Pacific nation with a ruling monarchy, the royal family still holds real power, but calls for democracy have grown. At the same time, the monarchy remains central to tradition, culture, and community life.In Aotearoa, the Māori monarchy continues today — although it's not officially recognised. Elsewhere in the Pacific, monarchies have taken different paths. In Hawai'i, Tahiti, and Wallis and Futuna, royal families were overthrown by colonisers. Their lines are remembered and communities are pushing for recognition.You'll hear from Noah Hanohano Dolim, assistant professor at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, an expert on the Hawaiian Kingdom era and the turbulent history of unification, resistance, and resilience.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.