Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
| ||||||||||||
Archived Articles
General Analysis on Emerging States and Unrepresented Peoples
2003
Back to Current Articles | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 Tibet's Gamble (December 1, 2003)
Many Tibetans criticize the Dalai Lama for his "middle path" diplomacy in the revived negotiations about the future of Tibet. Some Tibetans would like to see "targeted, victimless violence" against the Chinese. Others want a return to covert warfare similar to the CIA-sponsored violence in the mid 50s and 1972. (In These Times)Is Russia Really Fighting 'Terror' in Chechnya? (June 9, 2003)
Putin's claim that his fight in Chechnya forms a part of Washington's "war on terror" is false, says this article. While Moscow has a clear target in Chechnya, Washington is fighting an undefined enemy. (Power and Interest News Report)People Are Going To Be Slaughtered (May 27, 2003)
This article discusses how political actors invoke the concept of sovereignty at their convenience. While the sovereignty of former Yugoslavia did not prevent the external military intervention, Western actors treat Indonesia's territorial integrity differently, arguing that little can be done about the violence in Aceh. (Age)Another Blow for Yangon (April 18, 2003)
Responding to pressure from Burma's two largest ethnic minority groups, the European Union decided to extend its sanctions on Burma. The Shan Democratic Union and the Karen National Union have waged armed resistance against the Burmese junta for over fifty years, fighting systematic human rights abuses and a lack of official representation. (Asia Times)In Israel's Desert, A Fight for Land (February 20, 2003)
70,000 Bedouin people live in villages unrecognized by the Israeli government, devoid of public services or infrastructure. An Israeli official recently ordered the demolition of an illegally built Bedouin mosque, but the unrecognized community has no legal means to obtain a building permit. (Christian Science Monitor)
2002
Back to Current Articles | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 Jospin Hit by Corsica Setback (January 17, 2002)
France's highest court has delayed plans to allow Corsica more political autonomy, claiming it breaches "the principle of national unity." Critics of the plan feared the French nation-state would be undermined if other areas followed Corsica's lead in demanding more independence. (BBC)
2001
Back to Current Articles | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 French Parliament Approves Limited Autonomy for Corsicans (December 18, 2001)
After years of political struggles and failed proposals, Corsica will enjoy a certain degree of autonomy in law-making powers and teaching of the Corsican language. (Agence France Presse)Mekim Na Savvy: Bougainville - Small Nation, Big Message (December 10, 2001)
To protect their island from mineral exploitation, the people of Bougainville survived in isolation for nine years. Papua New Guinea has rewarded their determination with the promise of increased autonomy, and a future referendum on full independence. (ZNET)How Wall Street Created a Nation (October 27, 2001)
In 1900, Panama was created by a secret group of American investors and bankers in the antecedents of today's goliath Wall Street firms. With government complicity, they fomented insurrection in Colombia to gain control over the territory on which the Panama Canal would be built and took over the French company then building it. (Common Dreams)Self-Determination Conflict Profile: Aceh (Fall 2001)
Aceh, the northernmost province of Indonesia, does not receive the same level of attention from the international community as East Timor. However, under Indonesian rule Aceh suffers from similar problems, including economic exploitation and human rights abuses. The Acehnese desire independence as greatly as the East Timorese. (Foreign Policy in Focus)
