Fragmentation and the International Relations of Micro-states: Self-determination and Statehood

by Jorri C. Duursma

• ISBN13: 9780521563604
• ISBN10: 0521563607
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1996-11-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

At a time when nearly all armed conflicts are related to self-determination, and frequently to claims for secession, this meticulous study examines the legal issues at stake in the light of the existence of European micro-States: Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra and the Vatican City. Jorri Duursma makes a thorough analysis of the true origins, meaning and faults of the modern right of self-determination, asking fundamental questions: What constitutes a people with a right to self-determination? How small a people has this right? Who are allowed to secede? What is a state according to international law? Jorri Duursma's book provides an up-to-date and informed account of these important issues which also draws on recent experiences in Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia. It is the first book to provide a thorough international legal account of the European micro-states, and develops a novel approach to the problems of fragmentation.

Table of Contents

Part I. The General International Legal Context: 1. Right of self-determination

2. Criteria for statehood

3. The general question of micro-states in international organizations

Part II. Five Case Studies of European Micro-states: Introduction

4. The Principality of Liechtenstein

5. The Republic of San Marino

6. The Principality of Monaco

7. The Principality of Andorra

8. The State of the Vatican City

Part III. General Conclusions: Bibliography

Index.