Examples characterizing the geography of self-proclaimed states. Unrecognized states of the world and post-Soviet space

Dutchenko Yaroslav

The political map of the world is the calling card of geography. Without knowing it, it is impossible to navigate international politics and be considered versatile. educated person. The political map of the world is constantly changing as a result of wars and peace treaties. States fall apart and unite, and forms of government and government change. Countries lose or gain state sovereignty, etc.

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“IX Ural Open Interregional Conference

young researchers "Intellectuals of the 21st century"

Unrecognized and self-proclaimed states of the world, the reasons that gave birth to them.

Earth Science (Geography)

10th grade, MBOU secondary school No. 54,

Chelyabinsk

Scientific supervisor:

Zaitseva Tatyana Alekseevna,

geography teacher,

MBOUSOSH No. 54

Chelyabinsk, 2013

I. Introduction

1. Relevance of the topic.

2. Object of study.

3. Subject of research.

4. Purpose and problem of the study.

5. Tasks.

6. Research methods.

II. Main part

1. The concept of “unrecognized and self-proclaimed countries”.

2. General overview unrecognized and self-proclaimed

states on the political map of the world, the reasons for their appearance.

3. General problems that exist on the territory of these states.

4. Post-Soviet space:

A. Transnistrian Moldavian Republic.

B. Gagauz Republic.

B. Republic of Abkhazia.

G. South Ossetia.

D. Nagorno-Karabakh.

5. Strategies for Russia’s behavior towards unrecognized states in the post-Soviet space.

6. Virtual states.

1. Conclusion.
2. References.
3. Application.

I. Introduction:

The modern world today is multinational, diverse and contradictory.

The political map of the world is the calling card of geography. Without knowing it, it is impossible to navigate international politics and be considered a well-rounded person. The political map of the world is constantly changing as a result of wars and peace treaties. States fall apart and unite, and forms of government and government change. Countries lose or gain state sovereignty, etc.

1. Relevance of the studyis determined by the need for a comprehensive study of the significant number of states not recognized by the international community that have formed as a result of complex historical, political and ethno-geographical processes in recent decades, which are the same living components of a complex, changeable and multi-level political map of the world, like recognized states.

This topic is interesting because it is unpopular in school textbooks, but is very relevant in the modern world. Most unrecognized states are not on the maps. However, they really exist, people live in them, governments and presidents work, constitutions are adopted, they even try to act in solidarity in the international arena. Therefore, we decided to deepen our knowledge on this topic and consider a number of issues.

2. Territorialobject of studyare states and peoples inhabiting their territories that are not recognized by the international community.

3. Subject of researchare the problems existing in these states.

4. Purpose and problem The research is to identify the causes and conditions for the emergence of unrecognized states on the political map of the world and the problems existing in them.

5. Achieving the goal is ensured by setting and solving the following research problems:

1. Summarize the basic theoretical principles of ethnic geography and ethno-conflictology: systematize the fundamental concepts relating to the problem of unrecognized states.
2. Consider the causes of ethnogeographical conflicts underlying the emergence of such state formations.
3. Find out other reasons for the emergence of unrecognized states in the world.
4. Show the geography of unrecognized states.

Acquaintance with the self-proclaimed territories of the post-Soviet space, as well as with the unrecognized and virtual states of the world.

1. Practical work: creating business cards of unrecognized states (application).

6. Research methods:

1. Socio-economic.
2. Comparative geographical.
3. Analytical.
4. Informational.
5. Cartographic.

Novelty of the researchfor me was from the very beginning – the choice of topic. This topic is rarely heard in school geography, but attracts with its unusualness and unpopularity. I decided to take a deeper look at this issue and study the available documents and articles. And I was not mistaken, I learned a lot of new and interesting things for myself, expanded my horizons on the topic “Modern political map of the world”

II. Main part.

1. Unrecognized statesis the general name of state entities that, while possessing all the signs of statehood (population, control over territory, system of law and administration, actual sovereignty), at the same time do not have diplomaticrecognition from UN member countries. Thus, they can act as a subject of international relations only in the legal field of other state entities that are not recognized by UN member states, but recognize each other.

On the political map of the world there are about 120 unrecognized states, which are proclaimed on the territory of almost 60 countries.

The concept of “unrecognized state” is very arbitrary. In fact, this group of government entities usually includespartially recognized states. Therefore, according to the criterion of recognition of sovereignty, we can distinguish between actually unrecognized states (for example, Abkhazia, Transnistria) and partially recognized states (for example, Taiwan), some of which are actually under military occupation (Western Sahara, Palestine). It is known that Taiwan has diplomatic relations with twenty-six countries of the world, Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey, Ichkeria was recognized by three states, but today has ceased to exist altogether.

2. A general overview of unrecognized and self-proclaimed states on the political map of the world, the reasons for their appearance.

Unrecognized states arise in multinational countries, as a result of separatist movements,(Separatism (French séparatisme from Latin separatus - separate), separation - the policy and practice of separating, separating part of the territory of a state in order to create a new independent state or obtain the status of very broad autonomy),and because of the redistribution of national-state borders, which “cut” the areas of residence of ethnic groups.

Some unrecognized states have existed for a long time. For example, Taiwan (official name - Republic of China), Palestine, East Timor, Kurdistan, Azad Kashmir, Tibet (Appendix No. 6). Other states are dying under the blows of government troops.

A new surge of “self-proclamation” occurred at the turn of the 90s of the 20th century, in connection with the collapse of the USSR and Yugoslavia and the associated ethno-territorial conflicts (Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, the Republic of Serbian Krajina, the Republika Srpska, the Republic of Kosovo ).

This time the international community took a tough position and categorically refused to recognize the new state entities. As a result, the phenomenon of post-Soviet “unrecognized states” arose, the status of which is not defined, which, however, does not interfere with their existence. Some experts note that most of these entities are, in essence, fully established states with an effective state apparatus that enjoys massive support from the population. In 1995, control over the territory claimed by the Serbian Krajina was restored by Croatia. In 1999, Russia regained control over the territory claimed by Ichkeria. In 2009, Sri Lanka regained control of territory claimed by Tamil Eelam. In 2008, Russia thwarted Georgia's attempt to regain control over territory claimed by South Ossetia. In 2001, post-Soviet unrecognized states created their own Commonwealth of Unrecognized States (CIS-2).

Conclusion : As we see, the reasons for the emergence of new states are largely similar.

3 . Common problems that exist on the territory of these states.

In connection with the above, let us consider the problems that unrecognized states experience.

1. The republics that they previously belonged to refuse to recognize their national statehood and continue to consider these self-proclaimed states to be their territories.

2. As a rule, these are small states in terms of territory and population, with a diverse ethnic composition and a small proportion of the titular nation.

Here is information about these states given by Bolshakov (Article“Unrecognized states of the European periphery and borderlands” in the magazine “ International processes"2009) "...First of all, the unrecognized states of the European periphery are small territorially, their population is small even by European standards. The clear leader among them is Kosovo, occupying an area of ​​11 thousand square meters. km with a population of about 2 million people. Ethnic Albanians make up the majority in the region, Serbs, Croats, Hungarians, Turks, Gypsies and other ethnic minorities number up to 100 thousand people. Transnistria controls a territory of 4163 square meters. km with a population of 250 thousand people. About 147 thousand people live in Nagorno-Karabakh, who manage to hold a territory of 11 thousand square meters. km, taking into account the six occupied regions of Azerbaijan. South Ossetia has a territory of 3900 square meters. km with a population of 70 thousand people. This is the smallest of the unrecognized states. Abkhazia occupies an area of ​​8,600 square meters. km with a population of 250 thousand people. It should be noted that in Abkhazia, out of 250 thousand population, 200 thousand are Russian citizens, in South Ossetia, out of 70 thousand, 50 thousand, and in Transnistria, out of 250 thousand, 100 thousand are also Russian citizens.”

Moreover, many of these states were able to conquer and hold significant areas only thanks to either military and economic assistance from neighboring countries, allies, or the intervention of the international community.

The factor of adjacent territories is very important for unrecognized states. Neighboring territories often act as a source of support for an unrecognized state, “since, as a rule, it is an external resource (reliance on a strong sympathetic state or states) that allows the economy of the rebellious territory to develop, and power institutions, the state apparatus and armed forces function somewhat normally...”, the author emphasizes. A similar situation arose in Abkhazia and Ossetia.

At the same time, in similar situations we encounter another problem - 3. the problem of the return of refugees. Their potential return to the territories of unrecognized states could significantly change the ethnic composition in unrecognized entities. Therefore, the issue of refugees in any of these conflicts is the most difficult and sometimes completely insoluble.

The unrecognized states of the European periphery and borderlands are, in many respects, full-fledged states. “We can talk about long-established and functioning institutions of public power, the mechanisms of its formation (primarily elections), a number of political and legal institutions that are present in every independent state: the army, the forces of law and order, its own legal system, citizenship. The listed territories have their own economic complexes, their own financial tax systems“- emphasizes Bolshakov.

From all of the above it follows naturally conclusion: unrecognized states act as independent subjects of regional and international politics. Their influence on political processes is quite noticeable.

4. And only one problem remains unresolved - the problem of citizenship. After all, passports of unrecognized states are not taken into account almost anywhere in the world. But they are also trying to find a way out of this situation.

4. Post-Soviet space.

The collapse of the USSR was accompanied by the emergence regional conflicts, as a result of which thousands of people died and hundreds of thousands became refugees. Self-proclaimed states appeared in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation.

Despite the lack of membership in the UN, members of the commonwealth (CIS-2) continue to exist for quite a long time. All of them have such attributes of independent statehood as their own constitutions, governments, armed forces, state security agencies, customs and border services. The political and economic structures of the unrecognized states have more or less adapted to existence in conditions of “no peace, no war, no international recognition,” although the process of restoring the destroyed economy in conditions of virtual isolation from the outside world is moving very slowly. Most of these states are located on the border of the Russian Federation and Russians, like our government, have close political, cultural, economic, and ethnic relations.

A. Transnistrian Moldavian Republic.

One of the first (09/2/1990) to appear was the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic (population 660 thousand people), as a response to the policy announced by the Popular Front of Moldova to join Romania, the transition to Romanian textbooks and educational standards. The republic (territory area 3569 sq. km.) includes Grigoriopol, Dubossary, Kamensky, Rybnitsa and Slobodzeya regions of Moldova, the cities of Bendery and Tiraspol. This territory “changed” owners several times during the 20th century. In 1940, after the annexation of Bessarabia to the USSR and the formation of the Moldavian SSR, part of the territory of the former autonomous republic went to the Ukrainian SSR, and part (practically the territory of the current Transnistrian Republic) to the Moldavian SSR.

In 1992, the confrontation between the Transnistrian Republic and the Republic of Moldova escalated into a real war. Currently, the agreement signed in 1997 between Moldova and Transnistria on being within the framework of a common state within the borders of the Moldavian SSR (as of January 1990) is being implemented.

The Transnistrian conflict is a conflict between Moldova and an unrecognized state that controls part of the declared territory of Moldova - the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria), under whose control is mainly the left bank of the Dniester, whose population is made up of Moldovans, Russians and Ukrainians (in approximately equal proportions).

The conflict, which began in Soviet times (1989), after Moldova gained independence, led to armed confrontation and numerous casualties on both sides in the spring and summer of 1992. Armed action ceased after Russian troops under the command of General Alexander Lebed intervened in the conflict to protect civilians and stop the bloodshed.

Currently, security in the conflict zone is ensured by the Joint Peacekeeping Forces of Russia, Moldova, Transnistria and military observers from Ukraine. The Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic is the only region in Eastern Europe where, after the introduction of a peacekeeping contingent, military operations ceased and were not resumed. But relations between the parties to the conflict remain tense.

So, as we see, territorial, political, economic and ethnic conflicts are the cause of armed clashes in this area and the formation of the unrecognized state of the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic. But the model of formation of the Transnistrian Republic differs from the models of the unrecognized Caucasian states. Here (PMR) political and economic reasons played a greater role.

(Appendix No. 1. State symbols and basic data of the PMR)

B. Gagauz Republic.

It was proclaimed in 1990 in the south of the Moldavian SSR as a protest of the small number ethnic group– Gagauz (descendants of Orthodox immigrants from Bulgaria who fled to Russia during Russian-Turkish wars 18-19 centuries) against the intention of the leadership of Moldova to join Romania. The republic consists of 4 enclaves total area 1.8 thousand sq. km.

Negotiations with the government of Moldova led to the recognition of the rights of the Gagauz people to a certain autonomy and the right to self-determination in the event of Moldova losing its statehood, i.e. upon joining Romania. According to the reform of the administrative-territorial division of 1998, Gagauzia has the status of a “territorial autonomous unit”.

The similarity of the ethno-demographic development models of Abkhazia and South Ossetia led to the formation of unrecognized states. Both countries in Soviet period their history developed as autonomous entities within the borders of the Georgian SSR, both seceded from Georgia as a result of bloody wars in the early 1990s, restored territorial integrity and were recognized by the Russian Federation and a number of other countries (Appendix Table) after the August 2008 war, in each had and still has more or less large Georgian ethnic enclaves; Abkhazians and Ossetians belong to a single North Caucasian (mountain) ethnocultural space.

(Appendix No. 2. State symbols and basic data of the Gagauz Republic)

IN. Republic of Abkhazia.

Previously, this territory was the location of the Abkhazian principality, which came under the protection of the Russian Empire in 1810 as an independent state unit. Until 1864, it retained statehood and sovereign control over its territory. From 1864 to 1917, Abkhazia was subordinate to the tsarist administration in the Caucasus.

Abkhazians, as well as related Circassians, Kabardians, Circassians, Ubykhs and Abazas- autonomous population of the Caucasus. By the end of the 80s, about 18% of Abkhazians lived on the territory of modern Abkhazia.

The Abkhazian kingdom, which often saved the last Georgian statehood, was always closely connected with Georgia. After the October Revolution, Abkhazia was included in the Georgian SSR as an autonomy. However, back in Soviet times, Abkhazia came up with the initiative to transfer it under the jurisdiction of the RSFSR.

The question of changing the status of Abkhazia (secession from Georgia or returning to the status of a union republic) has arisen more than once. The conflict escalated after the adoption in 1989-1990. The Georgian parliament passed resolutions invalidating the existence of autonomy, as a result of which Abkhazia began to be called Western Georgia. After the proclamation in 1992 As an independent state of Abkhazia, Georgian troops entered its territory, and the war began.

The first president of Georgia, who declared the unitarity of Georgia, encountered serious resistance among both ordinary Abkhazians and among the Abkhazian intelligentsia. After the demand for the deployment of newly formed Georgian troops on the territory of Abkhazia and the subsequent refusal by the Parliament of Abkhazia, full-scale military operations began. Combined detachments of North Caucasians, including Chechens, then fought on the side of the Abkhazians.

Due to Georgia's refusal to join the CIS, Russia also supported pro-Russian Abkhazia. The victorious war of the Abkhazians ended with the evacuation of Shevardnadze by Russian special forces from Sukhumi (after which, by the way, Georgia joined the CIS), as well as the outflow huge number refugees of many nationalities - Georgians, Armenians, Greeks. Currently, about 400 thousand refugees from Abkhazia live in Georgia.

During negotiations to resolve the Abkhaz-Georgian conflict, the parties failed to reach agreement. The Georgian side was ready to provide Abkhazia with “the broadest autonomy within the framework of a single Georgian state.” Abkhazia allows for the possibility of creating a confederation, into which Abkhazia could enter as an independent state on the basis of an agreement with Georgia.

Now Abkhazia is in a blocked state. The border with Russia is essentially open, but there are many bureaucratic barriers to crossing it; The border with Georgia is the front line. Georgian troops and armed detachments of local Svans control part of the territory of Abkhazia - the Kodori Gorge, where several villages are located and a strategic power line from Russia passes through Georgia. (Appendix No. 3. State symbols and basic data of Abkhazia)

G. South Ossetia

South Ossetia (region, since 1989 - an autonomous republic within the Georgian SSR) in 1990 declared itself a sovereign republic within the USSR. In response to this, the Supreme Council of Georgia canceled the autonomous status of South Ossetia, which became known as the “Tskhinvali region”.

In 1991, South Ossetia gained de facto independence, which since 2008 has been recognized by 4 UN member countries.

In a referendum in 1992, more than 90% of the population of South Ossetia supported the independence of the republic from Georgia.

The conflict was legally resolved after the signing of the Agreement in 1992 by the presidents of Russia and Georgia, representatives of North and South Ossetia.

The models of ethnogeographical development of South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh, which led to the formation of a self-proclaimed state, are also similar.

(Appendix No. 4. State symbols and basic data of South Ossetia)

D. Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nagorno-Karabakh (in Armenian Artsakh, i.e. “sunny forest” - historical territory residence of Armenians. In Armenia, this was one of the historical regions that retained its name from the Urartian “urtekhini”. The population of this territory has always been Armenian.

The causes of the conflict lie in the peculiarities of the historical development of the territory.

After the division of Armenia between Byzantium (and then Arabs and Turks) and Iran, Turks began to settle in Artsakh and neighboring Utica, and this region, being under the control of Iran, received the Turkish name Karabakh (Black Garden). In the Middle Ages, the last remnants of Armenian statehood remained here - 5 semi-independent principalities-melikdoms.

When Transcaucasia was included in the Russian Empire Artsakh was divided between the Erivan and Elizavetpol provinces. After the independence of the 3 Transcaucasian republics, Artsakh was briefly part of Armenia, but during the attacks of Musuvatist Azerbaijan it soon became a “moving front line”.

In Soviet times, under the terms of peace with Turkey, Artsakh was turned into the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region within the Azerbaijan SSR, losing almost half of its territory (plain Karabakh). Azerbaijanis resettled in the autonomous region, and the outflow of the Armenian population was encouraged, in particular to Sumgayit. Nowadays Nagorno-Karabakh is an enclave on the territory of Azerbaijan. In 1989, the annexation of Artsakh to Armenia was announced, which led to clashes that escalated into a full-scale war.

The Karabakh army, not without the help of Russian consultants, volunteers from Armenia itself and the diaspora, and material assistance, won, occupying not only the territory of NKAO and the Lachin corridor connecting Artsakh with Armenia, but also the territory of seven regions of Azerbaijan proper.

The capital of a state not recognized by anyone (except Armenia) is the city of Stepanakert. Armenia grants its citizenship to all residents of Artsakh.

The latest settlement plan proposed by the American administration, the Paul Gobble plan, does not suit both Armenian politicians, who talk about the impossibility of exchanging some Armenian territories for others, and Azerbaijani ones. According to the plan, in exchange for Karabakh and the Lachin corridor, Azerbaijan receives the Meghri region to connect with Nakhichevan, but, in order to prevent the formation of a Turkic belt, dangerous for Armenia and Iran, Yerevan receives part of the territory of Nakhichevan, bordering Turkey.

(Appendix No. 5. Map and state symbols of Nagorno-Karabakh)

5. Strategies of Russia's behavior towards unrecognized states in the post-Soviet space.

According to the magazine “Politex” (Political Expertise, 2012), in our opinion, the Russian Federation can use three strategies for dealing with the unrecognized states of the post-Soviet space. The first, which can conditionally be called a “self-determination” strategy, consists of unilateral recognition and even possible annexation of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria to Russia. This option will find wide support among the Russian population and will cause a new wave of imperial sentiments among part of the ruling class. At the same time, Russia will most likely not receive support at the international level, since the implementation of such a scenario would violate the territorial integrity of two states at once - Georgia and Moldova, which would mean a complete departure from the Helsinki principles and could become, in combination with the case of Kosovo, a precedent for separatists in various regions of the world. It can be assumed that the USA, countries European Union, some CIS countries will openly oppose such actions of Russia and do not recognize the violation territorial integrity Georgia and Moldova. The “Asian giants” - China and India, which have big problems with their own separatist territories, will not support such actions by Russia.

It can be assumed that the process of recognition and possible annexation of South Ossetia to Russia, in contrast to Abkhazia and Transnistria, will immediately lead to a resumption of hostilities, given the mosaic settlement of the Ossetian and Georgian populations in the disputed territory. In addition, Russia will have to solve the economic problems of these territories, which cannot be done without damage to the uncompetitive local population and the emergence of new conflicts with the Russian administration and capital. Intensive aid to Abkhazia, Transnistria and South Ossetia will cause discontent in depressed regions of Russia itself, which have not felt the consequences of significant growth in the Russian economy.

6. Virtual states.

The so-called virtual states– associations created by private individuals and declaring their sovereignty. In practice, they do not have most of the necessary signs of statehood, but sometimes some sources refer to them as unrecognized states due to their relatively good legal validity.

Exotic Sealand.

In 1967, retired majorBritish Army Paddy Roy Bates announced the creation of a sovereign state on the former British platform of Raf's Tower, located in neutral waters North Sea and deleted from the lists of the British Admiralty. In 1968, after a British patrol boat approached Sealand and was greeted with warning shots, an attack was launched against Roy Bates. trial as against a citizen of the United Kingdom, during which a ruling was made that the case was outside the scope of British jurisdiction. In 1987, the extension of the UK's sovereign maritime zone from 3 to 12 miles placed Sealand formally within UK territorial waters, but still retains full control of its "claimed" territory. According to many sources, Sealand meets all the criteria for statehood specified by the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States and is an unrecognized state. (Appendix No. 8)

Also, other entities often call themselves unrecognized states, citing legal oddities.

Virtual states also arise on extraterrestrial territories, in particular on the Moon.

State on the Moon.

A virtual state (microstate) is a fictional entity that unites a small number of people, and for the rest it is a fiction that exists only on paper or on the Internet. The concepts have a similar meaningfantasy land, cyber state and others. Based on this, the Moon can also be called a state. If more than 2 million people have land on the Moon, then shouldn't it be possible to consider the Moon as a microstate? Moreover, it even has its own constitution. If you have a desire to purchase real estate on the Moon, the information is in the appendix (Appendix No. 9)

III. Conclusion

Self-proclaimed states, as we see, are completely different. This is a phenomenon on the political map of the world. They differ in size, geographical location, status, level economic development, political stability, UN membership and the number of recognized states.

The reasons for the emergence of new states are in many ways similar: 1- these are separatist movements, often aimed at inciting hostility between peoples andseparation of part of the territory of the state in order to create a new independent state; 2- redistribution of national-state borders, leading to the infringement of the interests of some peoples by others; 3- the collapse of the USSR and Yugoslavia and the associated ethno-territorial conflicts, and when the general socio-economic situation in the country changes sharply for the worse and political instability sets in.

Consequently, the reasons for their formation, the problems that they experience are largely similar and we have considered them. I think the goal we set has been achieved with the help of certain tasks

Practical significance of the study. The results of the study can be used by teachers and students as additional material when studying the topic “Modern political map of the world.” Business cards of unrecognized states can be used by the teacher as handouts in class when studying the topic “Modern political map of the world.”

Virtual states, in our opinion, are “fantastic” states. The creators of such “states” are ambitious people who want to attract the attention of the world. Although in the future the existence of such states on other planets is probably possible.

IV. References

1. Bagapsh N.V. Models of ethno-demographic development of states not recognized by the international community in the post-Soviet space // Bulletin of the Vladikavkaz Institute of Management. - 2010. - No. 32.
2. Bolshakov A.G. Unrecognized states of the post-Soviet space in the system of national interests. Magazine "Politex". Political expertise. 2012
3. Bolshakov A.G. Article “Unrecognized states of the European periphery and borderlands.” Journal "International Processes" 2009.
4. Lobzhanidze A.A. Ethnodemographic development of Abkhazia: territorial aspect, Moscow 2010
5. Kholina V.N. Naumov A.S. "Political map of the world." Geography for schoolchildren and applicants. Moscow "Enlightenment" 2004.
6. Internet resources:

1. Geography. ru: regional journalism

1. World of maps: interactive maps countries and cities

1. Countries of the World: Geographical Directory

http://geo.historic.ru

Political map of the world in the narrow sense of the word - a geographical map of the globe, which shows all the countries of the world; in a broad sense - a body of information about the political geography of the world. The modern political map of the world includes over 200 countries and territories.

Political map of the world in the proper sense of the word, it is called a geographical map that reflects the place of countries in the modern world, i.e. political division of the world with the boundaries of all existing states, their political and administrative structure and largest cities.

Constantly changing, the political map reflects the main events happening in the world. political and administrative changes:

1. The formation of new independent states (for example, as a result of the collapse of the USSR, 15 new states appeared on the political map of the world - Russia, the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Baltic states; in 1993, the independence of the State of Eritrea was proclaimed - a territory that was previously one of the provinces of Ethiopia in shore of the Red Sea, and even earlier, from 1935 to the spring of 1941, together with Ethiopia - a colony of Italy).

2. Change in the political status of the country.

3. Merger of some states with others (unification of the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990).

4. Loss or acquisition of statehood (collapse of the USSR and Czechoslovakia in 1991).

5. Changes in the area of ​​the state (the territory or water area itself) and borders. For example, on July 1, 1997, Hong Kong (Hong Kong), a former possession of Great Britain, came under the sovereignty of China, and on December 20, 1999, the former Portuguese colony of Macau (Aomen).

6. Change of capital. Some developing countries, including African countries, had their capitals on the coast to increase trade efficiency, but are now moving their capitals to the center of the country for the socio-economic development of other parts of the country. Thus, in 2005, the capital of South Africa was moved from Pretoria to Tshwane.

7. Changing the names of states and their capitals.

8. Change of form government(Afghanistan was a kingdom until 1973, since July 1973 it has been proclaimed a republic, and since April 1992 - Islamic State Afghanistan; Cambodia was a republic and became a kingdom in 1993).

International law prohibits violation of the borders of other states and the violent seizure of other territories. Controversial issues are resolved by peaceful means (in 1975 in Helsinki, at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the borders between the countries formed after the Second World War were recognized).

As already mentioned, there are more than 200 countries in the world. Counting the number of states is not so easy. How, for example, should we consider a territory when it declared itself an independent state, in particular, Bantustan in South Africa, Nagorno-Karabakh, and the Palestinian National Autonomy.

The 237 countries and territories recorded in the world with formalized and unregistered state status differ in area, population, forms of government and government, and level of socio-economic development. There are 192 independent UN member states in the world; 34 non-self-governing (dependent) territories (see Appendix 2). Most of them are in America, Australia and Oceania (15 each). Great Britain has 10 possessions.

Sovereign State- is a politically independent state with independence in all internal and international affairs. It can enter into equal treaties with other states, be a member of the UN, and enter international economic and political organizations.

Territory- a term used in geography in relation to lands that do not have sovereign status, with limited rights of local government, or to lands of uncertain status (for example, Western Sahara).

Unrecognized republics are scattered throughout the world. Most often, they are formed where the political and economic interests of modern powers come into contact, dictating either world or regional politics. Thus, Western countries, Russia and the growing China today in this political game are the main characters on whom it depends whether the newly created republic will be recognized or remain “persona non grata” in the eyes of most countries of the world.

Definition of the term

What are unrecognized republics? This term means state entities that independently announced their secession from another state and declared their independence. The difficulty arises in the fact that these newly-minted republics are not recognized from the point of view of diplomacy, that is, most countries in the world do not accept them as independent states, but consider them simply part of some other countries. However, from a political point of view, they have all the characteristics of independent republics.

Characteristics of independent states

Sovereign states must have at least five basic characteristics:

Name (officially enshrined in normative legal acts and the laws of the self-proclaimed republic);

State symbols (coat of arms, flag, anthem, sometimes even the Constitution);

Population;

Organs public administration, and all three branches of power - legislative, executive, judicial (often they are concentrated in the same hands);

State recognition process

International legal basis The relations of unrecognized states between themselves and the world community are being formed spontaneously. In this connection, as suggested by experts, the process of “recognition” of republics should be considered in a three-tier formula: de facto, de jure, diplomatic recognition. Most often, these are not just links, but steps that newly created states go through.

The first step - de facto - means that a particular country has declared its independence and meets all the characteristics of a state in international law.

The second step is de jure. In this regard, recognized powers may have bilateral relations with various states, and the other party may be unrecognized republics. Russia and other countries of the world are familiar with this phenomenon. For example, in the 20th century, the United States legalized relations with Taiwan unilaterally by issuing a special law.

The third step is the conclusion of official interstate relations through consulates and embassies. This is the highest degree of international recognition of created states.

Story

On the political map of the world, there have long been states that are not recognized by all countries in the world (from the point of view of diplomacy), but at the same time have all the signs of independence. An example of one of the first unrecognized diplomacy is Manchukuo, created by Japan in 1932 on Chinese territory.

After the end of the Second World War, republics began to emerge in all corners of the planet, unrecognized or partially recognized. These included the former colonial possessions of the metropolises, located mainly in Africa and Asia.

The largest growth in quantitative terms of unrecognized states began in the 90s of the 20th century. From now on, they can be called “unrecognized”, “de facto countries”, “seceded”, “self-proclaimed”, etc.

Methods of occurrence

The unrecognized republics of the world have different story. But their education, as a rule, follows similar scenarios. Thus, if we study global political practice, we can name five main options for the development of events:

1. As a result of revolutions. The most striking example is the formation of republics after the October coup on the territory of the former Russian Empire.

2. As a result of the national liberation struggle. This includes self-proclaimed unrecognized republics that declared their independence as a result of declarations, laws or interstate treaties. Such self-proclaimed states include the USA, etc.

3. As a result of the post-war division. For example, after the Second World War, the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany were formed on German territory. As a result civil war The DPRK and the Republic of Korea were formed on the Korean Peninsula. The peculiarity in this case is that initially two or more created states do not recognize each other’s independence.

4. As a result of the independence of the former colonial possessions of the metropolises. A striking example is the former colonies of the British Empire.

5. As a result of geopolitical games of recognized states. These are the so-called buffer zones or “puppet states” - the Independent State of Croatia, etc.

Typology

All unrecognized republics can be divided into types according to certain criteria. The determining factor in this case is the nature of control over the territory. As a result, we have 4 types of government entities:

1. Unrecognized states that have full control over their territory. These include Northern Cyprus and Transnistria.

2. States that partially control part of their territory and are unrecognized - Tamil Eelam, South Ossetia, etc.

3. States formed under the protectorate of the international community. For example, Kosovo, legally considered part of Serbia, but actually governed by the UN since 1999.

4. Quasi-states are ethnic groups that have not received the right to self-determination. One of the most prominent in modern world politics are the Kurds with their self-proclaimed Kurdistan, located on the territory of four states: Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Iran.

De facto and de jure

The entire list of unrecognized republics can be conditionally divided into 2 large categories - “de facto” and “de jure”.

De facto recognition is incomplete and expresses uncertainty about the longevity and viability of the government of such a country. In this case, consular relations may arise, but they will not be mandatory.

De jure recognition is final and is characterized by the establishment of equal international relations with all countries that are members of the UN. Typically accompanied by official statements and agreements.

It should be noted that currently international law There is no full range of characteristics according to which a newly created state will be such de facto or de jure. In world diplomacy there are only separate rules for recognizing states.

The role of unrecognized states in international relations

Modern unrecognized republics not only have a place in the documentation of the founders themselves, but also maintain certain relationships with recognized states or other unrecognized entities.

In this regard, you need to understand that at the highest diplomatic level, some countries may be unrecognized, but at the same time, their governments may cooperate with other states. Economic trade relationships may also develop. An important point is cooperation in the field of education.

Absolutely all of these interstate relations are based on certain regulations, orders, decrees and agreements.

The list of unrecognized states is quite large; it contains more than 100 items. These republics are located in 60 countries of the world. The list includes partially recognized, unrecognized and partially unrecognized states.

The first are those whose independence is recognized by only a few powers. For example, Abkhazia, recognized by only six countries, or which was recognized only by Türkiye and Abkhazia.

The second group includes self-proclaimed countries that are not recognized by any state - Somaliland, Puntland, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and others.

A partially unrecognized state can be called one whose independence is recognized by most UN member states, but other countries do not take a similar step. For example, Armenia is not recognized by just one state - Pakistan, Cyprus - Turkey, and the Republic of Korea - North Korea.

The unrecognized republics of the CIS, or rather those located on the territory, continue to fight for their recognition, starting with the collapse of the USSR. Abkhazia can be cited as an example. After Georgia announced its withdrawal from the Soviet Union, she participated in the referendum on joining the Commonwealth of Sovereign States (CCS), the formation of which was thwarted by the State Emergency Committee in August 1991, but to this day Abkhazia is a partially recognized state. Besides her, you can also name

How many unrecognized republics are there in the world? More than a hundred! Whether there will be fewer of them in the near future is a very difficult question. Most likely not. Today, the problem of unrecognized states is one of the most acute, and disputes over the recognition and non-recognition of individual entities do not stop for a day. The fact is that after the USSR was defeated during cold war, The West considered that only it has the right to act as a magistrate, including in relation to the recognition of states as such. However, modern economic and political realities show that the West is no longer the hegemon in resolving this issue, which is why the fact of Crimea’s entry into the Russian Federation and the announcement of the self-proclamation of the DPR and LPR were met so sharply in the Old World, and especially in the United States.

Imagine that, fleeing bureaucratic lawlessness or in the name of creating a “fair” state with special rules, someone founded own world, different from already existing states

Translation for – Irina Morozova

Imagine that, fleeing bureaucratic lawlessness or in the name of creating a “fair” state with special rules, someone founded their own world, different from the already existing states.

Sounds like a fantasy plot, doesn't it? Meanwhile, history knows real people who managed to create their own “microstates”, “micronations” in real life.

A microstate is a certain piece of land, the population of which declares itself independent and sovereign state, but is not recognized by any world community or other states. The reasons for the founding of such “micronations” can be called protest, tourism development, or even just a joke or pleasure.

Statistics indicate the existence of more than 400 such microstates.

Each of them is original and interesting in its own way. We present to your attention 9 of the most amazing self-proclaimed micronations, or states within a state.

1. Republic of Molossia

Founded by His Excellency President Kevin Baugh in 1999, Molossia consists of two parcels of land in Dayton, Nevada that occupy approximately 25,500 square meters(6.3 square acres). But the small size of this micronation did not stop its inhabitants from starting their own postal service, space program and currency. The official currency of the microstate is valora. According to the Molossian government, 1 valor is equivalent to 1/3 of a pack of Pillsbury cookies. Molossia unofficially owns a 756 km (470 mi) stretch of sea off the coast of Mexico, as well as nearly 129,545 square kilometers (50,000 sq mi) of the planet Neptune.

2. Republic of Conch, Republic of Shells

The Conch Republic is a virtual state founded on April 23, 1982 by the mayor of Key West, Dennis Wardlow, in the Florida Keys, USA. The state was created as a protest against the border patrol established by US authorities on the US1 highway, linking the archipelago with the mainland, to combat drugs and illegal immigrants. Key West city officials have repeatedly complained about this patrol causing huge traffic jams on the highway, disturbing travelers and tourists, but the complaints have gone unanswered. Then the mayor of the city, Dennis Wardlow, declared the archipelago an independent republic, arguing that the US authorities had set up an analogue of the border checkpoint between them and the mainland. He became the first president of the country. The president of the self-proclaimed state announced his secession from the United States and declared war on the United States, symbolically breaking a loaf of stale Cuban bread on the head of a man in uniform navy USA. US authorities did not publicly respond to these events, but the patrol was removed.

3. Northern Kletskaya Island

The summer home of billionaire Dean Kamen, who invented the Segway electric scooter, is North Dumpling Island. This is a small piece of land off the coast of Connecticut (8 sq. km). Count Kletzka, as Kamen likes to call himself, even received a “Non-Aggression Pact against the People of Northern Kletzka” from then-President George H. W. Bush. The island has its own wind turbine, solar panels, helipad and a replica of Stonehenge (mini-Stonehenge).

4. Republic of Sozhe

The Republic of Sauger is a virtual state located in the northeastern part of France, in the Doubs department. The republic consists of 11 municipalities, the capital is Montbenoit. The creation of the mysterious republic was based on a joke, but the state has existed for almost 70 years. The Republic has its own banknotes and is issued by the French postal service postage stamp dedicated to the republic. During its existence, the Sauger Republic has seen four presidents, all from the same family clan. The area is now a popular tourist attraction, with many of the locals selling republic entry tickets and official stamps.

5. Principality of Seborga

In 1963, citizens of the Italian village of Seborga argued that because their land was not mentioned in any document during the unification of Italy in the 1800s, their place was an independent zone. In 1995, the citizens of Seborga voted for independence from Italy (304 votes in favor; 4 votes against). Italy did not recognize the sovereignty of the Principality of Seborga, however, this republic is one of the oldest surviving micronations. So, the Principality of Seborga is a virtual state proclaimed in 1963 by the inhabitants of the village of the same name in the Italian administrative region of Liguria, not far from the French border. It traces its history back to a real-life feudal possession, whose entry into Italy, according to supporters of independence, was not legally recorded.

6.Free Republic of Liberland

The newest self-proclaimed microstate of Liberland was founded in April 2015 on a short stretch of free, neutral territory along the common border between Croatia and Serbia, on the western bank of the Danube. The founder is Vit Jedlicka, a libertarian activist. The micronation area is approximately 7 square meters. km (3 sq mi), which is currently uninhabited because it is very difficult to get there. It was proposed to form a government consisting of “ten to twenty members.” For election will be used electronic system voting. The economy is based around cryptocurrency and bitcoins. The microstate has already received hundreds of thousands of applications for citizenship.

7. Free City of Christiania

Christiania (Free City of Christiania) was founded in 1971 when a group of hippies illegally moved into an abandoned military barracks in Copenhagen, Denmark. This virtual, partially self-governing, unofficial "state within a state" is a haven for liberal-minded squatters, anarchists and hippies. The population, with constant tenacity, but also with a sense of humor, resists the government's attempts to liquidate Christiania. For example, when the government criticized the open street trade of cannabis and hashish in Christiania in 2002, sellers camouflaged their stands in military style. In 2004, the stands were destroyed by the residents themselves in order to preserve independent Christiania, which has its own rules and is proud of the collectivism of its independent ethnic group. The surroundings of the micronation are distinguished by brightly painted walls of buildings and the absence of cars, which are also prohibited, as are: theft, hard drugs and firearms.

8. Principality of Sealand

About 10 km (7 miles) off the Suffolk coast in the North Sea in England lies a small sea fort, abandoned since the Second World War, which rises on metal platforms. This is Sealand - a virtual state proclaimed in 1967 by retired British Major Paddy Roy Bates. Sometimes viewed as an unrecognized state with its own flag, currency and passports.

After a fire caused by a short circuit and which almost completely destroyed the buildings of Sealand in 2006, Prince Michael tried to sell his state for $906,000,000. Unable to find buyers, the government of Sealand and the Bates family decided to renovate the base and preserve it for themselves and their descendants. Currently, this country has a population of four people and is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest self-proclaimed state that has a physical territory and has some legal grounds for international recognition.

9. Principality of Hutt River

Hutt River is the oldest microstate in Australia, founded in 1970 by "Prince" Leonard George Kesley to protest government quotas on wheat farms. The Principality, which covers 7,500 hectares of land north of Perth, is known for its variety of wildflowers and the abundance of variations in its official coins. In 2004, the Australian government began a recognition and registration campaign, during which the Principality received tax benefits in the international market, but remained unrecognized as a state.

Holderman D.D. "Car engines. Theory and maintenance"

Lukanin V.N. “ICE. Dynamics and design"

Dolskikh A.M. "Technology of structural materials in mechanical engineering"

Non-self-governing territory - in UN terminology - colonial or dependent territory, whose peoples have not yet achieved full self-government.

British possessions: Gibraltar (disputed territory with Spain); Virgin (British) and Cayman Islands (Caribbean Sea); Falkland (Malvinas) Islands (disputed territory of Great Britain and Argentina) and Bermuda (Atlantic Ocean), etc. Possessions of France: French Guiana (South America);

Currently, 193 states are UN countries, including South Sudan since 2011.

Independent states (UN + Vatican = 194 + ?)

2: Abakhakhia, South Ossetia (recognized by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, Vanuatu, Tuvalu)

1: Kosovo

3. Self-proclaimed states -

A state that has declared itself sovereign, but is not recognized by the world community.

Self-proclaimed states – about 120.

NKR Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (1991-92)

PMR Prednestrovian Moldavian Republic (1990)

Saharan Arab Democratic Republic (1976)

Republic of Serbian Krajina (2005)

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (1983)

Sultan of Sulu in Malaysia (2010)

Shan State (1996) – territory of Myanmar.

Tamil Eelam (Sri Lanka). The peace treaty was signed in 2009. The area is inhabited by the Tamil population on the island

Basque Country (de facto it does not exist, although there is an organization that is fighting for its creation)

Other self-proclaimed:

Abkhazia - according to the constitution of Georgia, is an autonomous republic within this state; since 1992 - virtually independent. The state independence of Abkhazia has been recognized since 2008 by 6 UN member states - Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu

South Ossetia - according to the Constitution of Georgia, is part of several regions of Georgia. In 1991 it gained de facto independence, which since 2008 has been recognized by 5 UN member states: Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru[ and Tuvalu.

Free Kashmir, proclaimed in October 1947 in protest against the unpopular Maharaja Hari Singh in Kashmir. After the First Indo-Pakistani War, today's de facto borders were formed, including only the western parts of the geographical regions of Kashmir and Jammu (that is, both main cities - Srinagar and Jammu - remained in India). According to UN resolutions, the status of Kashmir must be determined through a plebiscite or referendum; India abandoned the idea of ​​holding a second, explaining that the decision of the local council, which agreed to be part of India, is a substitute for a plebiscite. Until it is carried out, Free Kashmir is effectively a province of Pakistan. Formally, Azad Kashmir is not separated from the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, and the existence of a free state is analogous to the Free Zone in Sahrawi ADR. The partition of Jammu and Kashmir along religious lines, proposed by UN envoy Sir Owen Dixon in September 1950, was rejected by both India and Pakistan.

Somaliland (since 1991). Located in northwestern Somalia. In May 1991, the northern clans proclaimed the Independent Republic of Somaliland, which included 5 of the 18 administrative regions of Somalia. Continues to defend its independence.

Puntland (since 1998). Plans to become part of the federal Somali state; until 2010, he was its main support in the fight against radical Islamists.

Jubaland (1998-1999, since 2011). Plans to become part of the federal Somali state. As of 2008, it was under the control of the Provisional Somali Federal Government only nominally. At the beginning of 2011, a new government, allied to the Transitional Federal Government and opposing Al-Shabaab, was actually established in northern Jubaland.

Galmudug (since 2006) Plans to become part of the federal Somali state; has not been mentioned in the English-language press since December 2006.

Himan and Cheb (since 2008). Plans to become part of the federal Somali state.

Avdaland (since 2010) Considers itself independent from Somaliland (having declared itself an autonomous state in Somalia), plans to become part of the federal Somali state.

Azania (since 2011). Created in April 2011 in the part of Jubaland bordering Kenya. Plans to become part of the federal Somali state; According to some sources, it has already been recognized by Kenya.

4. The spread of separatism in the world.

Separatism- policy and practice of isolation, separation of part of the territory of the state with broad autonomy (individual freedom of action; independence).

Separatism is usually divided into two types: religious and ethnic. Separatism also differs in the goals pursued by the respective groups of people. Firstly, they distinguish separatism, the purpose of which is to separate and form a new independent state, striking examples Such separatism are Kurdish separatism in Turkey and Uyghur separatism in China and Central Asia.

It is possible to predict the secession of some states:

For example, in Spain there is Catalonia (its own economy, its own culture, its own language);

the Basque country (in the north of Spain. Also its own language, its own history); Galicia

(the most western. Celts, skirts, bagpipes).

France: Corsica (Corsican language); Brittany

Ireland: Northern Ireland

5. Forms of government .

Monarchies: 28 (Samoa in Oceania until 2007, Nepal until 2008).

Monarchy is a form of government in which supreme state power belongs to one person - the monarch (king, czar, emperor, sultan, emir, khan) and is inherited.

· Absolute (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar) Arabic

The entirety of state (legislative, executive, judicial), and sometimes spiritual (religious) power is legally and actually in the hands of the monarch.

· Constitutional (Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco) Arab + Europe

The power of the monarch is limited by the constitution. At constitutional monarchy real legislative power belongs to parliament, executive power to the government.

· Parliamentary (Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands)

A type of limited monarchy, in which the constitutional and legal status, powers and real power of the monarch are seriously limited by a constitution adopted on a democratic basis, elected by parliament, which concentrates legislative power, and a government responsible only to parliament that governs the country.

Theocratic (Vatican)

political power rests with the head of the church or religious leader. A system of government in which important public affairs are decided by divine instructions, revelations, or laws

Republic(total 140):

Presidential

Parliamentary (Germany, Italy, Greece)

Signs of a republic

· Head of state – president; parliament; cabinet of ministers

· Parliamentary republic (government controlled by parliament, parliament based on party lists) For example, Italy

· Presidential republic (election of the president - direct voting, electors; the president appoints or forms the government)

· Mixed republic (Poland, Lithuania, Portugal, Russian Federation)

· Election of supreme bodies state power and positions for a certain period of time (it can even be extended, as it were - Venezuela)

· Legal responsibility of the head of state, the right to impeachment

· The principle of separation of powers (each power is independent, this ensures balance)