Since independence in 1970, ethnic rivalry between Fiji's indigenous and Indian populations has become increasingly manifested in the political arena, as demonstrated in the coups of 1987 and 2000. The root of this rivalry is seen here to lie in an ongoing 'cold war' for framing the defining qualities of the Fijian nation. Mobilizing this are differing community experiences of the country's past and hopes for its future. These differing experiences are analysed with a view to uncovering a realistic basis for inter-group consensus and lasting stability.