In their previous book, Structural Models in Anthropology, Hage and Haray used graph theory, a branch of pure mathematics, to develop a family of models for the study of social, symbolic, and cognitive relations. With Exchange in Oceania the authors extend these models using ethnographic data from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia to demonstrate that the language, techniques, and theorems of graph theory provide the essential basis for the description, quantification, simulation, enumeration, and notation of the great variety of exchange forms actually found in Oceanic societies.

"Part 1 of the book...deals with the geography of the region and with the biological, linguistic, and archaeological evidence concerning the origins of the Oceanians and their movements into and within the region. Part 2 describes the tools and techniques by which the recent (but not yet markedly Westernized) Oceanians satisfied their basic, pan-human needs, as qualified by their many different, culturally defined, perceptions of those needs...Finally, Part 3 focuses on the varieties of social structures within which those 'technical' activities took place." -from the Prologue

Asia and Oceania are close geographically, have complementary trade and investment opportunities, and have developed strong business relationships during recent decades. The rapid growth of Asia has provided huge two-way opportunities in trade and investment for businesses in these areas. In the coming decades, continued strong growth in East Asia is likely to be accompanied by even stronger growth in South Asia. Businesses in Oceania are generally better placed than those of Western Europe and North America to take early advantage of the burgeoning opportunities in Asia. Emerging Business and Trade Opportunities Between Oceania and Asia is a comprehensive reference that comprises research on the latest business ventures and developments that are being forged between countries that include Australia, China, and India. This book provides insight into general knowledge about the trade and investment policies and patterns of the two areas and specific knowledge about more targeted trade and investment opportunities. Covering a plethora of topics such as economic development, knowledge management, and start-ups across a wide range of industries that include tourism and hospitality, elderly care services, and information technology sectors, it is ideal for existing and new business entrepreneurs in Oceania and Asia; economic and political commentators; and researchers, academics, and students working in the fields of economics and business-oriented disciplines. Additionally, business professionals and financial investors can use the book to gain a deeper understanding of investment opportunities in areas such as health and tourism, and business consultants can utilize it to develop road maps for their clients of future business opportunities in what will continue to be the largest and most rapidly growing part of the world economy.

Australian scholar Nicholas Thomas documents and analyzes "rhetorical artifacts" of explorers, missionaries, fiction and travel writers, and the people of the Pacific themselves to demonstrate how Oceanic identities have been represented over time. The picture Thomas paints of Oceania shows that interactions between indigenous cultures and European influences created entirely new Oceanic identities. 62 illustrations.