Module Specifications..
Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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Description The world map is deceptively complete, with all territories neatly assigned to respective governments. There are, however, regions which disrupt this outward picture of stability. Unrecognised states have achieved de facto independence but have not secured international recognition. Put simply they are states that, legally, do not exist. They continue in legal limbo, and are not only an academic curiosity but often a threat to regional stability. Using both theory and case studies to comprehend the phenomenon of unrecognised states in the international system this course will provide a comprehensive introduction to this topical yet unexplored subject. The course will enable students to understand the dynamics of domestic politics in the unrecognised states and to understand how they have survived politically and economically. They course will also investigate the actions and strategies of key regional actors that have a vital interest in the destiny of the de facto states. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. critically assess the major themes, debates, developments, and structures relevant to unrecognised states 2. determine the dynamics of domestic and foreign policy formulation in the de facto states 3. recognise key factors behind ethnic and national divisions within the de facto states and with the states from which they have seceded 4. assess the viability and political systems of unrecognised states 5. evaluate the influence of external forces on the de facto states | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
• 1. Theorizing Unrecognized States: Sovereignty, Secessionism, and Political Economya) anomalies in the international system, b) failed states and contested territories, c) insurgent states, black spots, states-within-states d) definition and diversity of cases, e) ideology and strategic interests f) territorial integrity, g) secessionist war and state breakdown• 2. Unrecognized States, International Organisations and Globalizationa) state building through self-reliance, b) state building and globalisation c) pressures resulting from non-recognition d) "engagement with recognition"• 3. Conflict and Security in Unrecognised Statesa) security implications of non-recognition b) relations with "parent" state, c)relationship between security and recognition d) risks from territories outside effective control, e) risks of renewed warfare, f) conflict resolution efforts• 4. Internal Sources of Unrecognised State-Buildinga) Ensuring coercive control b) Avoiding infighting warlords, c) Building effective legitimate entities• 5. Patron States and External Sources of Unrecognised State-Buildinga) external patrons, b) diaspora populations, c)transborder linkages, d) from territorial control to effective entities• 6. Domestic Politics and Elections in Unrecognised Statesa) Presidential administrations, b) legislatures and assemblies c) local government, d) political parties e) dynamics of electoral politics, f) central election commissions and international observers• 7. The Politics of Diplomatic Recognitiona) evolving strategies for creating internationally acceptable entities, b) relations with other unrecognised states, c) engagement with international organisations and institutions• 8. Historical Case StudiesIreland 1919-22, Bougainville (1975-97), Chechnya (1991-, 1996-9), Eritrea (1991-93), Gagauzia (1991-4), Kurdish Autonomous Region (1991-2004), Montenegro (2000-6), Republika Srpska (1992-5), Republika Srpska Krajina (1991-5), Tamil Eelam (1986-2009)• 9. Case Studies: Africa/Middle EastNorth Cyprus, Palestine, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Somaliland• 10. Case Studies: EurasiaKosovo, Taiwan, Transnistria• 11. Case Studies: South CaucasusAbkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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