How do you solve a problem like Pitcairn?

This paper examines the historical, administrative, and socio-political history of Pitcairn Island, a British Overseas Territory in the Pacific, which was compounded by the external threat of French nuclear testing in the Pacific. Despite its negligible economic and strategic value, Pitcairn exemplifies the complexities of Britain’s smaller territories in the post-decolonisation era, because the UK remains responsible for its administration and people. The island's isolation, dependency on external aid, and declining population have posed unique challenges for British policymakers, who have grappled with balancing local autonomy and cultural identity with the logistical and financial demands of maintaining such a remote territory. The study contextualises Pitcairn’s position as a “problematic remnant” of empire, exploring its symbolic importance, the implications of nuclear testing in its vicinity, and the broader legacy of imperial governance. Highlighting Pitcairn’s social, economic, and administrative history, the paper situates the island within the broader narratives of decolonisation and the “smaller territories problem,” ultimately reflecting on its status as a microcosm of Britain's imperial legacies and the limits of post-imperial responsibility.