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General Analysis on Emerging States & Claims to Autonomy and Independence
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Emerging States & Claims to Autonomy and Independence
Articles
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2004 | Archived Articles
Pandora's Box: Ideals or Interest? (January 1999)
Across the world, nation states find their unity tested by separatist claims and calls for secession. Le Monde Diplomatique argues that increasingly, nationalistic rhetoric hides short-term economic interests, a desire to keep the natural resources of a country in the hands of a small population.2008
China and the Enduring Uighurs (August 6, 2008)
The Uighurs are the largest community in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), and claim that China colonized the area in 1949. The Chinese government fears Uighur separatist activities, especially since the neighboring Central Asian countries share cultural ties with the Uighurs. As a result of increased economic development by the government, the Uighurs argue that this has led to increased inequality, decreased access to resources, and demographic change where the Han, China’s main ethic group, now represents 40% of the population. (Stratfor)The Death of Belgium? (July 29, 2008)
This Los Angeles Times article argues that the formation of Belgium resembled that of Britain and Italy, where leaders had to create a common national interest to promote internal unity and identity. However, as the European Union (EU) increases its political and economic strength, Belgians no longer share a national interest but rather a common regional - Flemish or Walloonian - interest. As a result, the author argues that regional language and culture matter more than national identity, and Belgium is in danger of splitting apart.Ghosts of 9/11: Muslim Nationality Movements or Pan-Islamic Jihad? (July 29, 2008)
The US, Russia, and Israel often seek to delegitimize Muslim nationalist movements by branding them as pan-Islamic jihad tied to al-Qaeda. But this Countercurrents.org article argues that most Muslim movements are nationalist - not pan-Islamic. In countries like Chechnya, leaders use Islamic symbols to mobilize people for an independent state. And Muslim Arab countries have generally prioritized their own national interest over the Muslim community in Palestine.North Meets South: Vermont Secessionists Meet with Racist League of the South (June 2008)
Under the mantra of "Small is Beautiful," a secessionist movement in the northeastern US state of Vermont is lobbying for independence. The Second Vermont Republic (SVR) believes that Vermont should free itself from the US "empire" which President Abraham Lincoln extended during the Civil War. The group argues that independence would bring increased democracy, environmental sustainability, and personal liberty. The revelation of SVR's ties to Southern white supremacists shocked its followers, and many withdrew their support for the secessionist movement. (Southern Poverty Law Center)Uighurs Struggle in a World Reshaped by Chinese Influx (April 28, 2008)
To prevent the Uighur people - a Muslim ethnic group - from claiming separation, the Chinese government has taken measures to increase the Han population in the Chinese province Xinjiang. In a few decades, the Han population in the province grew from 6 to 40 percent. Attempting to defend their culture, more and more Uighurs are turning to Islam to confirm their identity. The government is responding by subjecting the Muslim population to religious restrictions such as the prohibition of bringing the Koran to university. (Christian Science Monitor)A World of Selfistans? (March 13, 2008)
Why has Kosovo been able to break away from Serbia, while separatists in Kashmir and Sri Lanka still struggle to gain independence? The case of Russia and Chechnya shows that politically stable and militarily strong countries seldom loose territory through secession of minority groups. The example of Turkey's policy towards its Kurdish separatists proves that having powerful allies - in this case the US - also helps nations to block a break-away. While the independence of Kosovo raised hope for several separatist regions, the nations to which they belong are even more determined to hold on to them. (Foreign Policy in Focus)Minority and Indigenous Groups - Silent Victims of Climate Change Says New Global Report (March 11, 2008)
A study of seven environmental disasters shows that indigenous peoples are among the ones that suffer most from changing climate patterns. Policymakers fail to address the dangers indigenous communities face because of climate change. Many governments invest in biofuels under the pretext of solving climate change. But large-scale biofuel production has led to the eviction of minority or indigenous groups from their land, endangering their existence. (Minority Rights International Group)Separatist Movements Seek Inspiration in Kosovo (February 22, 2008)
The independence of Kosovo has shown once more the lack of unanimity within the European Union. Six countries do not back the new European nation, fearing its self proclaimed autonomy will set a precedent for their own ethnic minorities. This article provides an overview of these countries and the struggle for autonomy of their respective minority groups. Spain was the first country to state it was not going to back Kosovo's independence, fearing the example it would set for the Basque region. (Der Spiegel)2007
Citizens of Nowhere (April 1, 2007)
This International Herald Tribune article highlights the plight of the world's stateless people - many of whom live in remote areas and are members of tribal or ethnic minorities. The author argues that without the rights which generally accompany citizenship these people are often subject to discrimination and other human rights abuses and are afforded few protections from the state.Transnistria's "Government" Showcases Foreign, Minority Rule (February 2, 2007)
This Eurasia Daily Monitor article highlights the recent changes in government made by Transnistria Moldovan Republic "President" Igor Smirnov. The most controversial change is the complete exclusion of Moldovans from positions of authority as Transnistria - which declared independence from Moldova in 1990 - attempts to move away from being a Moldovan entity and closer to Russia, which it aspires to join.2006
The World's Lost People: Neither Refugees Nor Citizens (January 27, 2006)
Domestic civil strife in countries around the world has forced millions of civilians, known as internally displaced persons (IDPs), to flee their homes. As they often reside in weak or failed states, IDPs have no formal system of legal rights and receive little attention from their governments. In addition, because IDPs do not cross international borders, they are not automatically entitled to the rights and protections of refugees. (Christian Science Monitor)2004
Diplomatic Desert (September 27, 2004)
South Africa has formally recognized the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic after its patience for a referendum on who should rule Western Sahara ran out earlier in September. Some 76 countries have recognized the Republic, but Morocco fears South Africa's weight will trigger more international pressure to grant the region independence. (Newsday)Chechnya: Russia's Second Afghanistan (September 8, 2004)
"De jure or de facto separation of Chechnya from Russia would be a major setback to core Russian strategic aims," argues Power and Interest News Report. Russia wants to maintain control over oil-rich Chechnya to contain US influence in the Caucasus. Meanwhile, the US and the EU, aiming to develop economic cooperation in the area, are calling on Moscow to negotiate with the separatists.Georgian Forces Battle Separatists in Ossetia (August 13, 2004)
Tensions have risen since nationalist Mikhail Saakashvili became Georgian president last fall. Saakashvili promises to "bring South Ossetia and a second breakaway province, Abkhazia, back under central government control." The provinces gained their independence from Georgia in the 1990's. (Globe and Mail)Muslim Unrest Flares in Thailand (January 7, 2004)
Terrorist attacks in Thailand's southern region prompted the government to impose martial law and has renewed fears of Islamic separatism in the region. Thailand annexed the southern region in 1920 and since then separatist movements have often appeared. (Christian Science Monitor)Archived Articles
