International Relations: States and Island Disputes

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.