Resolving Sovereignty-Based Conflicts: The Emerging Approach of Earned Sovereignty
7 Pages Posted: 3 Apr 2012
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: Suggested Citation