Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sovereignty of the Marshall Islands using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of the sovereignty of the Marshall Islands.

Political sovereignty — 58.3

The Marshall Islands is a full member of the United Nations, WHO, the World Bank, the IMF, ADB, MICR (Micronesian Community), OPCW (weapons), MISA (nuclear tests), ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea), participate in regional organizations and the Pacific Forum. The Marshall Islands is a party to key international conventions (UN, ICC, OPCW, CWC), and is developing national legislation for implementation (for example, chemical weapons).

The Constitution stands above international norms, but in a number of issues (maritime, nuclear law, human rights protection, chemical weapons), the international regime is implemented through national law and is often determined by the Venice Commission, ICJ, ITLOS, OPCW. Stability is very high — 93.36th percentile of the WGI (2023).

Over the past 10 years, the country has been in the top 10 in terms of stability (absence of political violence, protests, terrorism), and all government changes are strictly legal. Government Effectiveness (2023): 54.7th percentile, above the average for the countries of the region, moderately effective public administration system (infrastructure, finance, public services reform). EGDI-2024: rank 143rd out of 193 countries, dynamics — improvement (2022: 160th place, 2020: 156th).

The digital state and e-gov (UN, ADB, World Bank) program is underway, but the coverage of services is still low. The political system is presidential (headed by David Kabua), stable, and trust is moderate (based on the absence of protests and high presidential credentials). Electoral institutions function transparently, and the trust rating among Oceania countries is average.

The key American base (Kwajalein Atoll, US Army Garrison-Kwajalein) is located: radar, missile defense systems, space tracking stations, military ranges, contract until 2043. There are no bases of other states. The Marshalls are participants in ITLOS (Maritime Law), ICC (International Crimes Courts), file appeals to the ICJ (case against nuclear powers), participate in OPCW consultations, and actively use maritime tribunals (the M/T Heroic Idun case in 2025).

The country is decentralized: The structure is federal, 24 municipalities with elected councils, the principle of “the island's right to local self-government.”

The government's authority is coordinating and normative, but each settlement manages its own internal life. There are no major national intelligence agencies, the key control is the parliament and the government. Some of the security and intelligence functions have been delegated to the United States under the Free Association Agreement; the procedure is special.

The oversight is mostly formal, with external audits by the United States and international organizations.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 87%.

Economic sovereignty — 47.6

According to various sources, GDP per capita (PPP) in 2024 is $7,212-8,198 (Trading Economics/IMF/Charting the Globe). This is 38% of the global average. Accurate official data on gold and foreign exchange reserves are not published; it is known that the country holds reserves in accounts with the US Federal Reserve and external commercial banks, some of the reserves amount to several tens of millions of dollars, and the Ministry of Finance is responsible for regulation, not a full-fledged central bank.

The total national debt in 2024 is 18.7–19.2% of GDP, which corresponds to a low level of risk by international standards (a decrease from the average level of 26.2% in the previous decade). The islands are critically dependent on food imports (about 80% of all products), local production is minimal, leading problems are droughts, erosion, loss of fertility, and a small number of people employed in agriculture.

Strong risks include price fluctuations, soil salinity, import dominance, and high levels of obesity and diabetes. The main generation is diesel power plants, renewable energy sources (solar and a little wind generation) provide up to 20% of consumption. A full transition strategy has been adopted by 2050, with the share of renewable energy sources at 19-21% by the end of 2024; in the future (2030+), a bet on solar mini-grids and storage devices.

The mineral resources of the islands are extremely limited. The main access is sea sand and lagoon aggregates (construction, dams), for which large-scale studies of the bottom of Majuro and Ebeye have been carried out. There are no exported minerals. The main problem is a shortage of water resources, periodic droughts and a decrease in reservoir levels.

In large cities (Majuro, Ebeye), a strict regime of saving and reserving water is implemented, and on a number of islands the infrastructure is critically limited. The system is based on transactions in USD; non-cash cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, JCB) are developed, electronic transfers are available, the penetration of mobile and online banking services is growing, issues of digital currency and modernization of the payment infrastructure are actively discussed.

Payments are made entirely in US dollars (USD is the only official currency), there is no alternative. The experimental SOV digital currency has not been implemented. There is no central bank, and there is no issue or credit policy.

It is planned to create the first state institution, the Monetary Authority of the Marshall Islands (2025+), for comprehensive banking and currency supervision. Until now, the entire monetary and credit system is carried out through the Banking Commission and the American infrastructure.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 89%

Technological sovereignty — 29.1

Combined R&D spending is less than 0.01% of GDP. There is no official national funding for basic research, and there are no institutional research programs or focused centers. Practically non-existent: 100% of computing equipment, servers, telecom infrastructure, software, sensors and network equipment are imported and exported; there are no assembly or localized lines.

Enrollment in higher education is 42.8–53.5% of the student-age population (different estimates by year); a great contribution is made by the programs of accumulated colleges (College of the Marshall Islands, UOG, etc.) with the support of the United States.

At the beginning of 2024, the Internet penetration rate was 73.2% (30.9 thousand users out of 42 thousand of the population).

National scale — pilot state portal and digital signature service (Digital Signature Regulations 2024), implementation of digital corporate documentation, projects based on the World Bank and Digital RMI (unified digital transformation strategy). Electronic public services are being deployed, municipal structures are being connected to online document management. Absolute: 100% “high-tech" imports, absence of all local production in computing, real telecommunications, electronic sphere.

All equipment, software, and mobile platforms are purchased abroad. The Digital RMI Project (World Bank), created in 2024-2025, is launching: the launch of a portal for digital services, company registration, e-government, and digital ID. A comprehensive plan has been developed to expand online access for residents of all major islands.

There is no industry of its own, and there is no full cycle of research with scientific centers. Point-based elements of biotechnologies are being implemented on the basis of mini-R&D and university projects (no GMOs, consultations and external partners are the basis). There are no robotics industries, educational or scientific clusters; even in the segment of automation of electricity and water supply, only imported solutions are being implemented.

The country completely lacks the design, production, assembly or integration of its own chips and electronics. All hardware is purchased from global brands, and the service is only import-service.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 93% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 45.8

There is no national CERT, and there is no specialized cybersecurity law. The responsible structure is the Ministry of Transport and ICT; the country is a member of the regional PacCERT, and enjoys international technical support from ITU/EU. A strategy for creating its own CERT is being implemented, and digital regulation is being formed after the incident in 2021 (the postal service).

There is no direct national IXP, limited peer-to-peer is conducted through transit hubs (Guam, Hawaii). Long-term backbone digital modernization and channel capacity expansion projects are underway; the government is implementing a strategy to connect new foreign CDNs, reducing the cost of the Internet.

The official languages are Marshallese and English. The leading media (newspapers, radio, public television) are broadcast in both languages; mass broadcasting in Marshall is supported at the state level, and both languages are used in all key media and school curricula. Facebook Instagram (64.4% of social media users), Twitter (18%), Instagram, YouTube, and others are completely dependent on the market.

There is no regulation of BigTech, there are no national alternatives in messengers/social media; the share of local content is small, import dominates. About 35-40% of the materials are local news, educational and cultural broadcasts (state media, schools, radio stations), the rest are imported (most of the radio, news, movies and music).

The private sector and IT projects have grown due to startups (Marshall Islands Tech Solutions, Oceanic Software Innovations, Pacific Tech Hub, etc.) developing web applications and fintech with localization to meet the requirements of the public sector, municipalities and education.

The market for electronic signatures (Digital Signature Regulations 2024) is active. Internet access — 73.2% of the population, social networks — 52.8%. Since 2024, a state portal for businesses and citizens has been introduced (digital ID, electronic registration and licensing, online services of municipalities).

Corporate and government servers for data storage are operating; there is no independent national cloud center in Tier III yet, the market for cloud services and data centers is developing - leading internal IT companies and providers are gradually introducing internal clouds in the B2B and government data segment.

The mobile operator is a 100% state—owned company (National Telecommunications Authority RMI) that covers all populated islands. Licenses/infrastructure and control are government-only; there is no competition or alternative MVNOs. In 2024, the first comprehensive legal act on digital signature (Digital Signature Regulations 2024) was approved, a national draft law on personal data and online citizenship was prepared; regulation at the implementation stage, DPO functions and a mechanism for local data storage are just being formed.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 94%.

Cultural sovereignty — 67.2

There is 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country — the Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site (since 2010, the "cultural heritage" has been a symbol of the nuclear era, mass testing and environmental disasters). There are 3 more on the preliminary list: Likiep Village Historic District, Mili Atoll Nature Conservancy, Northern Marshall Islands Atolls.

The Marshall Islands have given the world a unique system of Micronesian maritime navigation (“stick maps”), one of Oceania's richest traditions of folk “oral history”, ritual songs, dances (bwebwenato, jowi), ocean canoe craft, traditional weaving and carving; culture and urbanism are an example of island communities adapting to climatic and environmental challenges. disasters (for example, the development of nuclear heritage, the struggle to restore cultural landscapes).

There are national annual awards for the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions, craft competitions, encouragement of young artists and musicians through the Ministry of Culture, the Diaspora, youth initiatives and school festivals. Matrilateral (“female line") inheritance system, “land is the foundation of the family", strong positions of women in the community, the cult of large families, collective labor, ceremonies Kemem (anniversary of birth) and Manit Day (national holiday of traditions).

The core of the identity is oral history, seafaring, Christianity, family and clan ties, the art of weaving, music, dancing, marine crafts and the ocean navigation code (stick charts). A policy of social inclusivity, a program to support marginalized island communities (small atolls), encouragement of youth and women's initiatives (Jo-Jikum, Maniti, creative projects with the United Nations and ADB), grants for local communities, investments in language preservation, infrastructure and culture through the Ministry of Culture and the Preservation Office.

There is a national register of cultural and historical heritage (dozens of monuments/museums in Majuro, Bikini, Likiep), a register of archaeological and “infrastructural landscapes”, the work of the Preservation Office and UNESCO/American Museum partner projects.

Participation in UNESCO projects, Jo-Jikum international youth academies on climate and cultural adaptation, exchanges with Micronesia, Japan, the USA, support for thematic festivals, exhibitions and projects for the preservation of intangible heritage (Pacific Ocean Conference, World Oceans Day, climate academies, international student exchange).

There is no formalized national brand registration system: in practice, protection is provided through the publication of a cautionary notice in the press and repeated notification (every 2-3 years), which helps prevent abuse of IP rights to crafts, brands, and traditional terms.

National menu: copra, clams and shellfish dishes (palm, breadfruit, fish, sea turtle, koobure "raw fish" dish), maduro curry, tropical vegetables and fruits, Kemem treats, traditional broths, sweet pies, desserts; dishes are served in wicker baskets, spices of the ocean zone are used. Festive feasts for family and national events are preserved and creatively developed.

The indicator is very high: the involvement of children and youth through school festivals, Kemem family ceremonies, Manit Day (national outreach), community holidays and the introduction of traditions into the educational program, the great social significance of holidays, high activity of religious and national communities.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 89%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 49.7

HDI in 2023 — 0.639, “average level of development", 131st place out of 193 countries, steady growth over the past five years. Government spending on education accounts for 13% of all government spending (2023), which is lower than the international benchmark (20%), but corresponds to the Pacific average.

According to official estimates, adult literacy is 98% (Ethnologue database); this is one of the best results in Micronesia. The country does not participate in PISA tests, and scores in international comparative studies are not published (2022-2024).

There is no exact percentage of STEM graduates on the island, but participation in major STEM programs (Islands of Opportunity Alliance, College of the Marshall Islands, University of Hawaii STEM Symposiums) and GPE reports show steady growth in STEM enrollment, although according to UNESCO/World Bank estimates, the share of STEM in Marshall Islands universities is often lower than the Pacific median — approximately 15-17% (university level).

International projects account for approximately 15-20% of the educational infrastructure (USP, CMI, online learning via the US and Australia, distance learning programs, foreign grants and internships).

The two official languages are Marshallese (the only indigenous language) and English (the state language); 98% of the language environment is Marshallese, teaching students in both languages, formal support for culture and language through school programs, the Preservation Office, and educational events in all districts.

The main ones are the scientific center and laboratories at the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI), the USP research units — campuses (natural sciences, education, applied research, agriculture/marine), a number of small applied centers (aquaculture, agro, oceanology) on campuses. National platforms — up to 1/3 of distance learning, local online courses (CMI, USP, government programs), other resources — joint with foreign universities (Australia, US, Pacific region).

There are annual government and multilateral grants for universities and colleges, government scholarships for studying abroad, STEM grants and exchange programs, and foreign training (several hundred people per year, equivalent to 3-5% of college-age youth).

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 86%.

Military sovereignty — 27.8

Military spending is 0% of GDP. The country does not spend money on maintaining its own army; defense and military financing are fully implemented by the United States under the terms of the Free Association Agreement (COFA). The Marshall Islands has no regular armed forces. National defense is fully provided by the United States; internal forces are limited to 100 police and maritime patrol officers, 50 people in the Coast Guard fleet.

There are no own armed forces, equipment, heavy and aviation weapons. Only patrol boats are in service in the country, all military facilities, missile defense systems, radars, satellite complexes and the base are owned by the United States and are used for exercises, missile defense, and space programs.

All equipment for the police and patrol is imported, there is no own production, there is no military industry, military equipment is provided by the allies, and the basic infrastructure is 100% built and maintained by the United States.

Border control at sea and air borders is fully provided by the United States (Kwajalein), and at the domestic level, the functions of policing, monitoring and coastal patrol are performed by the national police and partly by the police Sea Patrol Unit, but there are no military tasks.

There is no military reserve and it is not provided for by the legislation or policy of the country.

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Geopolitical security and strategic support Absolute external security is achieved through a strategic agreement with the United States (COFA): the presence of the largest US missile defense and space monitoring base (Kwajalein), the absence of its own defense costs and the risks of armed conflict.

Guaranteed flow of financing and economic support from the United States and international funds (education, infrastructure, digitalization). High human capital and literacy One of the highest literacy rates in the entire region of Micronesia is 98%, wide coverage of secondary and higher education, HDI — 0.639 (“average level").

Digitalization and high Internet penetration are used by more than 73% of the population, national educational platforms, the private IT sector, digital public services, the introduction of electronic signatures, online learning programs and cross-border STEM projects.

Rich cultural and maritime heritage Unique navigation traditions (stick charts), oral history, traditional crafts, one of the key legacies of Oceania (Bikini Atoll is a UNESCO site). Up to 80% of the population are involved in cultural and social life, and individual days (Manit Day, Kemem) are nationwide. Investment and financial flexibility Easy regulatory environment, open to international corporations and financial services (minimal control, world-class vessel registry, business and offshore opportunities).

Weaknesses. Complete external and internal dependence extremely high level of import dependence: up to 80% of food, 100% of machinery, fuels and lubricants; own production is minimal; almost all technologies and infrastructure are external. Protection, border control, security, and intelligence are fully delegated to the United States; there are no armed forces or military reserves, and there are no weapons of their own. Environmental and climate vulnerability.

The state is one of the most vulnerable in the world to climate change, prone to droughts, sea level rise, storms; Access to drinking water is limited, and infrastructure cannot withstand the load everywhere. Sandy soil, erosion, periodic tsunamis, and droughts are key constraints on nutrition and development.

Limited real industrial and scientific sovereignty, there is practically no independent investment in R&D, innovation, biotechnology, robotics and microelectronics; the structure of GDP is dominated by marine services, aid and remittances, fish exports are licensed by international companies.

The level of technological and economic autonomy is low, there is no national Central Bank, and settlements are made entirely in US dollars. The limited national regulatory and legal infrastructure of the Personal Data Protection Act is only at the implementation stage; departmental and technical standards are being imported, and an internal regulatory institution is being formed.

Overall assessment. The Cumulative sovereignty Index of the Marshall Islands is 325.5 out of 700 possible points (average 46.5%), which places the country in the top 150 in the global top.

The Marshall Islands is an example of a small country with a pronounced “externally oriented sovereignty”: formally an independent state with high cultural, educational and social specifics, but almost completely dependent on the United States and other international partners in the economy, defense, infrastructure, technology and innovation.

The strengths are stability, literacy, unique cultural heritage, democracy, high social engagement and “flexibility" for global business. The key risks and weaknesses are limited resource and industrial base, climate threats, full external support in critical areas, and low structural independence.

The sovereignty profile indicates that the Marshall Islands is a country with “strategically delegated sovereignty”: high international legitimacy, effective education and culture, internal democracy, but critical resource, military, technological and financial dependence on external partners (primarily the United States).

The key risks are climate, demography, low autonomy in industrial, defense, and innovation areas, and the powerful sides are cultural identity, stability, and integration into global aid and support chains.