What is it about?
The publication discusses how Russia and China use historic(al) rights to justify territorial claims, focusing on the South China Sea dispute and the war in Ukraine. Both states expand the concept of historic rights beyond accepted international norms, seeking regional approval for their claims rather than universal recognition. The article examines how their approaches influence the balance between regionalism and universality in international law.
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Why is it important?
It is important to read this publication because it sheds light on the evolving use of historic rights by powerful states like Russia and China to challenge international legal structures. Understanding their legal strategies in disputes like the South China Sea and Ukraine provides insight into how these countries aim to reshape regional and international law to legitimize territorial expansions. This is crucial for anyone interested in international relations, international law, and geopolitical dynamics, as it highlights the tension between the Western-promoted international rules-based order and emerging regional power dynamics in Eurasia.
Perspectives
What motivated me to write this article was the growing trend of great powers, particularly Russia and China, using historic(al) rights as a tool to justify territorial expansion in ways that challenge established international norms. I was struck by how these states, rather than seeking global consensus, are focusing on regional validation of their claims, and I wanted to investigate how this shift could reshape international law.
Dr. Artur Simonyan
Tartu Ulikool
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Historic(al) Rights in Eurasia, September 2024, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004691278_006.
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