Where does the truth of contemporary islands fall on the spectrum from fantasized representation to innate reality?

A site that arouses dreams and fantasies, the island is often perceived as a kind of laboratory that distills processes observable at a planetary scale. Although they are traditionally seen as objects with strategic stakes, islands have been approached differently in the context of globalization. Beyond their unique aspects, they shine a very specific light on such major contemporary geopolitical processes as migrancy, regionalization, mass tourism, tax havens, climate change, etc.
Where does the truth of contemporary islands fall on the spectrum from fantasized representation to innate reality?