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The Limbo Beyond Kosovo
Susan Allen Nan , ICAR Professor
Posted: 01/09/08

[Published, Financial Times, January 9, 2008] Sir, Stefan Wagstyl (“Breakaway territories watch and wait”, January 3) considers the political fates of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdniestra, and mounting international tensions, in light of the probable western recognition of a Kosovar unilateral declaration of independence. But the plight of the people living in these regions with contested sovereignty status should also be considered.

While politicians argue over which administration has the responsibility to make and enforce laws, protect human rights, provide security, monitor borders, regulate trade, create national symbols and represent the population, the people living in those regions face difficulties obtaining passports and connecting with the international system built around sovereign states. Rather than watch for international precedents in Kosovo, those interested in supporting peaceful resolution in these areas should encourage the parties in these conflicts to think long-term about how to best meet the people’s needs.

As we know from the examples of Aland Islands, Greenland, South Tyrol and even the strengthening of the European Union, the functions of sovereignty do not need to reside all in one administration. People's needs are better met by a good agreement than by legal limbo and a potential return to violence.

Susan Allen Nan,
Assistant Professor,
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution,
George Mason University,
Arlington, VA 22201, US

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ICAR News Network The Limbo Beyond Kosovo Susan Allen Nan , ICAR Professor Posted: 01/09/08 [Published, Financial Times, January 9, 2008] Sir, Stefan Wagstyl (“Breakaway territories watch and wait”, January 3) considers the political fates of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdniestra, and mounting international tensions, in light of the probable western recognition of a Kosovar unilateral declaration of independence. But the plight of the people living in these regions with contested sovereignty status should also be considered. While politicians argue over which administration has the responsibility to make and enforce laws, protect human rights, provide security, monitor borders, regulate trade, create national symbols and represent the population, the people living in those regions face difficulties obtaining passports and connecting with the international system built around sovereign states. Rather than watch for international precedents in Kosovo, those interested in supporting peaceful resolution in these areas should encourage the parties in these conflicts to think long-term about how to best meet the people’s needs. As we know from the examples of Aland Islands, Greenland, South Tyrol and even the strengthening of the European Union, the functions of sovereignty do not need to reside all in one administration. People's needs are better met by a good agreement than by legal limbo and a potential return to violence. Susan Allen Nan, Assistant Professor, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, Arlington, VA 22201, US News Network Homepage / Armenia / 2008 Elections / Afghanistan / Diplomacy/ Egypt / Environment / Global Peace Index / Health / Immigration / Iraq / Iran / Islam / Kosovo / Nuclear Proliferation / Pakistan / Palestine-Israel / Russia / Somalia / South America / Turkey /		About ICAR Student Information Prospective Students Faculty and Staff Alumni Career Services Academic Programs Library ICAR In The News Events Technology Resources ICAR Publications Point Of View Center Center for World Religions, Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution