Resolving Sovereignty-Based Conflicts: The Emerging Approach of Earned Sovereignty

7 Pages Posted: 3 Apr 2012

See all articles by Paul R. Williams

Paul R. Williams

Public International Law & Policy Group; American University

James R Hooper

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Michael Scharff

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: 2003

Abstract

Today there are nearly fifty sovereignty-based conflicts throughout the world. Nearly all of these conflicts entail a high degree of violence with state security forces engaged in active combat or aggressive policing operations against armed rebel forces. In many instances the rebel forces have resorted to terrorism. In fact, at least a third of the Specially Designated Global Terrorists listed by the United States Treasury Department are associated with sovereignty-based conflicts. In addition, a number of non-violent sovereignty-based conflicts undermine regional stability and prospects for political and economic development.

Until recently, most efforts to resolve sovereignty-based conflicts have faltered due to the limited legal and political tools available to policy makers. The two most applicable principles, sovereignty and self-determination have been reduced to little more than legal and political shields behind which states and sub-state entities justify their actions.

While these two basic principles of international law may sometimes be reconciled to create a lasting settlement of a sovereignty-based conflict, more frequently they are a recipe for political gridlock and violence.

Keywords: sovereignty-based conflicts

JEL Classification: N40

Suggested Citation

Williams, Paul R. and Hooper, James R and Scharff, Michael, Resolving Sovereignty-Based Conflicts: The Emerging Approach of Earned Sovereignty (2003). Denver Journal of International Law and Policy, Vol. 31, No. 3, 2003, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2032906

Paul R. Williams (Contact Author)

Public International Law & Policy Group ( email )

HOME PAGE: http://www.pilpg.org

American University ( email )

4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States

James R Hooper

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Michael Scharff

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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