SOUTH SUDAN
States, Nations & Nation-States
What is a State?
States are defined by:
- Legitimacy: all states have the right to exist and the authority of the government within the state is supreme, legitimate and recognised
- Formal obligations: states have duties to one another based on international laws and customs, i.e. treaties must be obeyed, non-interference, etc.
- Sovereignty: that no higher authority than the state exists within international relations
Features of states:
- permanent populations comprising of people who are not necessarily culturally homogenous
- defined territory
- recognised sovereignty
- functioning government and economy
Is South Sudan a State?
South Sudan: A Nation-state
- permanent population
- defined territory
- recognised sovereignty
- largely culturally homogenous citizens
South Sudan is not a 'nation' as it has recognised sovereignty.
State, Nation, or Nation-state?
Palestine: Nation
United Kingdom: State
Taiwan: State (Republic of China)
Vietnam: State
Vatican: Nation
Mauritius: State
The difference between a State and a Nation
However a state is an internationally recognised area with a defined territory that is economically and governmentally self sufficient and functioning with a permanent population, for example Israel.
What is sovereignty?
State sovereignty can be challenged by internal groups that may be seeking independence. Sovereignty can also be challenged by other groups not recognising the sovereign borders, or externally by another state.
Third agenda issues can also challenge sovereignty as well as global crises.
What challenges South Sudan's sovereignty?
Primary aim of South Sudan
South Sudan's National Interests
National Interest
They can be categorised into geo-political or strategic interests; economic and trade interests; or being perceived as a good international citizen.
National interests can change when a state has to react to global events. Over time however, the rise of these events and third agenda issues has seen states expand their national interests beyond their borders.
What are the key values South Sudan should be aiming to achieve?
South Sudan should be aiming to achieve transparency throughout their government and political institutions. No journalist or reporter, or civillian should have to suppress freedom of expression in order not to risk their life.
They should also put in place proper actions to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions that are clear violations of human rights. This is needed in order for families of victims to get justice and move on with their lives in a safe country that they can call home.
The role of the international community
Further, the US, UK, EU, Norway and China have taken measures to keep the peace in South Sudan. They have sent peace delegates and helped fund the peace process by providing aid. The US sanctioned government officials and the EU imposed travel bans and asset freezes on them further.
UNMISS has helped over 100,000 civillians fleeing South Sudan. The UN Security Council, since October 2014, has supplied South Sudan with around 10,500 soldiers under UNMISS.