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and self sufficient life, by which we mean a happy and honorable life”. According to
Bluntschli,” The state is Politically Organized people. According to Wilson, “The state is a
people organized for law within a definite territory”. -
The above definitions show that there are four essential elements of
state. Population Territory Government Sovereignty. a. Population: People are the most
important essential of the state. If there are no people there will be nobody to rule and
nobody to be ruled. A vacant island or desert can’t constitute a state. Hence, population is
essential for state and without population there can be no state. For Aristotle, number should
be neither too large nor too small. It should be large enough to be self-sufficient and small
enough to be well governed. The actual population is less than the optimum; the natural
resources can’t be fully utilized. If it is more, poverty’ will be the result. b. Territory: Territory is
a definite area of earth surface where people reside permanently. We can’t think of a state
without territory. The area within these boundaries constitutes the “Territorial Jurisdiction “of
a state. There is no fixed limit to the size of territory, it may be generally laid down that there
should be proper balance between population and territory
Government: For the peaceful existence gout is very much essential for a state. Government
is the machinery, which regulates controls and directs human behavior in society. It is an
agency of the state through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and
executed. The entire population of a political community makes a state. The gout is
composed of few persons duly elected or selected. There are branches of government. They
are legislature, executive and judiciary. The form of government differs from state to state. d.
Sovereignty: It means supreme power of the state. The term sovereignty derived from Latin
word supreranus, which means supreme. There are two aspects of sovereignty I, e Internal
and external sovereignty. Internal means supreme legal authority and group within its
territory. External means freedom of state from any kind of outside control.
6) The State is first Legal entity of the International Law. The State by asserting an distinct
Legal and diplomatic personality ’fulfil the normal requirement of entry into internationally.
From a business into become a state, it must free from the politically control of another State
or free from international relationship. Countries are, in this way, completely subject to
international law as they meet all these requirements.
What is the States? What is the principles of statehood? What are the right and duty of
government?
Definitions and Requirement 0F Statehoods.
There are no exact definitions of word “State” in the Law of the land. However this law, the
essentials mechanisms of statehoods are well-established. Article 1 of Montevideo
Convention on the Rights and Domes of the State of 1933 provide the following,
Royalty Right.
Royalty is fundamental rights of the States. All countries enjoys that right. Sovereignty have
a double means. First, sovereignty mean that the States has supreme authorities outside its
territories – the concepts of sovereignty is known as universal sovereignty.
FUNCTIONS of states
Sovereign states have defined territories, permanent populations, governments and the
capacity to engage in international relations. They enjoy the highest degree of autonomy and
are considered equal entities in the eyes of International Law.
This category includes entities that, while recognised as states, may not possess full
sovereignty. They might have limitations on their independence, often due to historical,
political or legal factors.
Some entities, such as certain territories with limited self-governance, fall into this category.
They might be subject to the authority of a more significant state or an international governing
body.
Non-Typical States
Non-typical states refer to entities that do not fit the conventional criteria of a sovereign state.
This category could include entities with unique legal or political statuses that deviate from the
traditional understanding of statehood.
Special cases like the Holy See (Vatican City) or international organisations with a degree of
sovereignty can be considered non-typical. These entities often have specific roles and
functions that distinguish them from standard sovereign states.
Recognised States
De Facto States
De facto states control territories and have functioning governments but lack universal
international recognition. These entities, such as Taiwan, operate with a degree of autonomy
but face challenges in attaining global acceptance as fully sovereign states.
Microstates
Microstates are characterised by their diminutive sise, both in terms of territory and population.
Examples include Monaco, San Marino and Nauru. Despite their small scale, these entities
enjoy the full rights and responsibilities of sovereign states in the international arena.
Failed States
Failed states are those unable to perform basic functions, such as providing security and
public services and are often plagued by internal conflicts. Somalia during the 1990s serves
as a prominent example of a state grappling with a breakdown of governance structures.
Emerging States
Emerging states are entities in the process of gaining international recognition as independent
sovereigns. Kosovo, having declared independence from Serbia, exemplifies an emerging
state navigating the complex landscape of recognition and acceptance.
Member States
International organisations, notably the United Nations, have member states that enjoy full
participation and equal representation. Each member state contributes to the decision-making
processes of these organisations, forming the basis for collaborative global governance.
Non-Member States
Certain entities, like the Holy See (Vatican City), may not be full members of international
organisations but hold observer status or participate in specific capacities. This unique status
allows them to engage with the international community without full membership privileges.
Conclusion
The diverse kinds of states in International Law underscore the complexity of the global
political landscape. The recognition or lack thereof, shapes the legal status and role of states
in the international arena.
The Monroe Doctrine, a key principle in public international law, was articulated by President
James Monroe in 1823. This doctrine fundamentally asserted two main principles:
3)
Background (2 marks): The Temple of Preah Vihear had been a subject of
contention between Cambodia and Thailand for many years due to its location near
the border. The temple was awarded to Cambodia by a 1907 Franco-Siamese treaty,
but disputes over sovereignty persisted.
1. Jurisdiction (2 marks): In 1959, Cambodia filed a case before the International
Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking a declaration that Thailand had violated its
sovereignty and territorial integrity by occupying and using military force near the
temple.
2. ICJ Ruling (3 marks): In 1962, the ICJ delivered its judgment, affirming Cambodia's
sovereignty over the Temple of Preah Vihear. The court ruled that the temple and its
vicinity were situated within Cambodian territory and that Thailand had violated
Cambodia's sovereignty by its military presence in the area.
3. Significance (3 marks): The Temple of Preah Vihear case is significant for several
reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes
through international legal mechanisms. The ICJ provided a forum for the resolution
of a long-standing territorial dispute between two nations.
4. Impact (3 marks): The case also had broader implications for the interpretation of
treaties and the principles of international law governing territorial disputes. It
reaffirmed the principle of uti possidetis juris, which upholds the borders of newly
independent states based on colonial administrative boundaries at the time of
independence.
5. Ongoing Issues (2 marks): Despite the ICJ ruling, tensions over the Temple of
Preah Vihear have persisted intermittently between Cambodia and Thailand. The
case underscores the challenges of implementing and enforcing international legal
judgments in complex territorial disputes.
In summary, the Temple of Preah Vihear case serves as a significant example of the role of
international judicial bodies in resolving territorial disputes and upholding principles of
international law, while also highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in the
implementation of such rulings in practice.
In summary, the withdrawal of recognition is a complex and politically significant act in public
international law, reflecting changes in diplomatic relations and the evolving dynamics of
statehood and sovereignty in the international arena. While it does not automatically alter the
legal status of the recognized entity, it can have profound implications for diplomatic
relations and international legitimacy.
Facts:
Luther was a British Citizen who used to run a Timber industry in Soviet Russia. On 1917 the
Russian Government nationalized his factory and thereafter Mr Luther left Russia and went
to the UK. In 1920 Mr. Sagor came to an agreement with Russian Nationalized business
company to buy some timber, the company sent timbers accordingly but when timers
reached in UK Mr. Luther claimed that those timbers were his timbers, he pointed that as UK
never recognized the government of Russia, as well as Russia, wrongfully took over his
factory. Therefore, the civilized court of UK cannot validate the rule of Russian law.
Issue:
The question of whether Russia is recognised by Britain was brought before the King's
Bench Division. And how lawful or genuine was the nationalisation?
The court held that the recognition of the state was retroactive in effect, thus the change of
govt and the delay in recognising the new govt would have no impact before the English
courts. t was held that the British Government recognized the Government of Russia and the
retrospective effect will be applicable for that recognition. So the Nationalization by Russia
was legal and valid. Kings Bench Division considered the following matters: That the British
Government provided de-facto recognition of the present government of Russia. That the
recognition of Russia had retrospective effect, therefore, the time in question is not a
concern. That, in the matter of effective relationships and in the question of law De-facto or
De-jury recognition does not create any real difference
BANK OF EUTHOPIA: Fact: An Italian decree promulgated after the capture of Addis
Ababa in 1936 purported to dissolve the Bank of Ethiopia. That Bank claimed certain
accounts and orders against the National Bank of Egypt and against the liquidator appointed
under the Italian decree
Issues:
1. whether the Bank of Ethiopia had been dissolved or had otherwise ceased to exist, and if
not, whether it had authorised the bringing of the action.
Decision: It was held that The Bank of Ethiopia had been dissolved by the Italian decree it
had the authority to bring such action.
Reasoning: The government of Italy was a de facto government in entire control of the
territory occupied and therefore having complete governmental control over that territor
1. RETROSPECTIVE RECOGNITION:
Legal Status Clarification (2 marks): Recognition is a crucial aspect of statehood in
international law. When a state is formally recognized by other states, it gains legal
status as a sovereign entity. The retrospective effect of recognition clarifies the legal
status of the recognized entity before formal recognition.
2. Continuity of Existence (2 marks): Retroactive recognition acknowledges the pre-
existing existence and functioning of the entity as a de facto state or government. It
does not create the state or government retroactively but confirms its status and legal
rights during the period before formal recognition.
3. Confirmation of Rights and Obligations (2 marks): Retroactive recognition
typically confirms the rights and obligations that the recognized entity has already
acquired or incurred during its period of operation without formal recognition. This
includes treaty obligations, property rights, and other legal relationships.
4. Legal Stability (2 marks): The retrospective effect of recognition contributes to legal
stability by providing certainty regarding the legal status of the recognized entity
before and after formal recognition. It helps to clarify the entity's position in the
international community and its entitlements under international law.
5. International Practice (1 mark): Retroactive recognition is consistent with
international practice and jurisprudence. States and international organizations often
acknowledge the legal continuity of entities that have operated as de facto states or
governments before receiving formal recognition.
6. Limitations and Challenges (1 mark): Despite the retrospective effect of
recognition, there may be limitations or challenges regarding the recognition of rights
and obligations acquired during the period of non-recognition. Disputes or
inconsistencies in international law and practice may arise, particularly in cases
where the entity's status was contested or controversial.
In summary, the retrospective effect of recognition in public international law clarifies the
legal status of entities that have operated as de facto states or governments before receiving
formal recognition. It confirms their rights and obligations acquired during the period of non-
recognition and contributes to legal stability in the international arena.