International Relations: States and Island Disputes

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What principle regarding existing populations is emphasized in international law?

Principle of national sovereignty

Principle of territorial conquest

Principle of self-determination (correct)

Principle of diplomatic immunity

Which conference first placed legal restrictions on the use of force by states?

Paris Peace Conference

Washington Naval Conference

Hague Peace Conference of 1907 (correct)

United Nations General Assembly

What became prohibited by contemporary international law after the conclusion of the United Nations Charter in 1945?

Diplomatic negotiations

International trade agreements

The use of force or threat of force (correct)

Peace treaties between countries

According to international law developments, what must happen in cases where conquerors refuse arbitration requests from the vanquished?

The annexation is null and void Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome can be observed from the dispute over the Three Islands between Abu Dhabi and Iran?

It highlights legal claims and political balances in the Gulf Signup and view all the answers

What is one major legal right generated by island sovereignty?

Authority over territorial fishing rights Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of disputes regarding hydrocarbon exploitation?

They frequently occur in relatively shallow waters. Signup and view all the answers

How do islands serve a state beyond legal rights?

They can act as military staging posts. Signup and view all the answers

Why might states avoid fully exploiting the military utility of disputed islands?

To prevent escalating tensions with other claimants. Signup and view all the answers

What complicates the nature of island disputes in the context of international relations?

They intersect legal norms with power diplomacy. Signup and view all the answers

In disputes involving populated islands, what claim may a state assert?

Rights of self-determination for the existing population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason scholars find the survival of small states in a world dominated by larger states fascinating?

The dynamics of international relations have not adequately addressed small states. Signup and view all the answers

Which island dispute is NOT mentioned among the contentious disputes affecting the Asia-Pacific region?

Falkland/Malvinas Islands Signup and view all the answers

What is often a shared claim by both parties in island sovereignty disputes?

Widespread international recognition of their position. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of island disputes?

Exclusive focus on historical occupancy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature that makes island disputes contentious according to the content?

They represent displaced sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of island sovereignty, what does territorial water jurisdiction imply?

Exclusive economic rights to all marine resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant dimension of sovereignty regarding island disputes?

Claims to maritime jurisdiction surrounding the islands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general focus of international relations concerning small states?

Issues of security and diplomatic recognition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following island disputes occurred in Latin America?

Isla Brasilera Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the complexities surrounding island disputes?

Displaced sovereignty over territorial claims. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Big and Small States & the Legality of Use of Force

Big and small states are a topic of interest in international relations, particularly the diplomacy and survival of smaller states in a world dominated by larger ones.
Scholars are fascinated by why small states haven't been absorbed by larger neighbors.
Current discourse may not adequately address this phenomenon.

Range of Island Disputes

Island disputes are complex political issues affecting various regions.
Examples of disputes range from African nations to Asia-Pacific nations (e.g., Spratley Islands, Kurile Islands, Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, Paracel Islands, Socotra Rock) and the Middle East (e.g., Khuriya Muriya Islands, Isla Brasilera dispute, Falkland/Malvinas Islands dispute).

Several Dimensions to Island Disputes

Island disputes are often highly contentious due to their connection to sovereignty.
Disputes involve variations of sovereignty, such as Protectorate or Commonwealth status.
There are multiple dimensions to the identification of sovereignty.

First Major Dimension

Island sovereignty grants claims to maritime jurisdiction.
This leads to sovereign territorial waters, rights regarding passage and fishing, and legal title to exploit resources (hydrocarbons, minerals).
Disputes over hydrocarbon exploitation are common, especially in relatively shallow waters (e.g., Gulf, eastern Mediterranean).
Exploration of deep-sea resources is becoming more prevalent (e.g., south Atlantic, Indian Ocean).

Second Major Dimension

Island jurisdiction has a significant security aspect.
Islands act as defence outposts, hosting military assets (e.g., bases, radars, listening stations, intelligence).
These assets can be helpful but also cause threats to neighboring states.
States careful not to fully exploit the military utility of disputed islands to avoid escalating crises.

Third Major Dimension

Island disputes demonstrate the intersection of legal norms and power diplomacy.
They highlight how the modern world is evolving.
Disputes reflect interactions between big and small, strong and weak states.
Island disputes are based on competing claims under international law.
Populated islands often involve claims to prior occupation or self-determination.
International recognition plays a significant role in such cases.

The Case of the Three Islands

International precedents in island disputes apply to the Three Islands issue between Abu Dhabi and Iran.
The sensitive nature of the dispute involving the UAE and Iran demonstrates how large and small states interact with legal claims and diplomacy.

Legality of Use of Force in Territory Acquisition

International agreements since 1907 emphasize peaceful means to resolve border and regional conflicts.
The UN Charter (1945) prohibits the use of force or threat of force, making conquest illegal.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the dynamics between big and small states in international relations, focusing on the survival of smaller states amidst larger powers. Additionally, it examines the complexity of island disputes around the world, highlighting key examples from various regions. Understand the legal aspects and sovereignty issues tied to these geopolitical challenges.