“Quasi-States as a Factor of Instability in Modern International Relations”
Students Name: Starchevska Yuliia Romanivna
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: International Relations
Institute: Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Mode of Study: full
Academic Year: 2021-2022 н.р.
Language of Defence: англійська
Abstract: The world today is extremely dynamic, the well-known media only talk about sensational events in the international arena, and for some reason the problems of the existence of "quasi-states" are left aside. Even a small online poll on Instagram found that most respondents had never encountered the term "quasi-state." This topic is especially relevant today, in a world where at first glance there is stability, peace and harmony between states, but wars continue, chaos reigns and hundreds of conflicts are waiting in line for their settlement. The system of international relations in the 21st century is quite fragile, and the existence of "quasi-states" only intensifies the destabilizing processes in the international arena. Thus, while some states and international organizations try to create stability in the political world by helping such states to resolve conflicts and come to a peaceful solution, others see them as a threat or potential zone of future aggression and try to force them to surrender. It is known that today almost every country in the world is multi-ethnic and multinational, regardless of the size of its territory or population. About 5,000 ethno-national communities (indigenous peoples, nations, national and ethnic groups, tribes, etc.) live in about 200 states, many of which aim to separate and implement the idea of ??creating "their own state." With the development of technology and the deepening of globalization, in an era of escalating information wars, the likelihood of a number of new unrecognized states is as high as ever. This situation in the world only exacerbates the relevance of this study, it is never known exactly where the next conflict will occur and which ethnic group, appealing to history, will begin to form their own state and will put forward their conditions in the political arena. Here it is important to understand the essence of "quasi-states", their origin, functioning and their role as actors in the political life of the world. It should be noted that the relevance of this topic is exacerbated by the current situation in Ukraine. Today, after the Russian occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, it is extremely important to study the stability of the political arena and the factors that determine it. Many modern states have not had an easy path to recognition: the United States was recognized in 1783, although it declared independence in 1776; The Netherlands was legally recognized seventy years after gaining de facto independence. Contradictory international law, globalization, the growing influence of the media, the inability of the world to come to unanimous decisions, in part, has become a stumbling block for "quasi-states" on the way to solving problems on the political map. We also could not ignore some hitherto unrecognized states - Somaliland, Western Sahara, Transnistria - and considered their path to quasi-state status. Study object is quasi-states as a factor of instability in modern international relations. Scope of research is the phenomenon of unrecognized states, the reasons for their emergence and the consequences of their recognition or non-recognition by the international community, the peculiarities of their existence in modern globalization. Goal of research is to analyze the phenomenon of quasi-states on the political map of the world, their impact on the entire system of international relations. In the master’s thesis, monographs, scientific articles, regulatory documents, reports of conferences that helped to form a holistic picture of the existence of "quasi-states" on the political map of the world. As a result, it was determined that this issue is widely studied by scientists including: Patrick S., Ratner S., Hellman D., Perepylitsa G., Bolshako A., Kolerov M., Berdugolova L., Kolosov V., Markedonov S. , Osipova S., Lamb R., Geldenhus D. Both domestic and foreign scientists are involved in the study of this issue. Despite the fact that their works are interesting and informative, there are still a number of points, questions, and facets of the "quasi-state" phenomenon that still need to be worked on and researched. Also important are the works in which the structuring and systematization of the features of "unrecognized states" will be done. The research substantiates the theoretical foundations of the study of "quasi-states" as a factor of instability in modern international relations. The basic concepts of this topic are revealed: "quasi-state", unrecognized state, virtual "quasi-states", self-proclaimed state. The historical aspects of the functioning of unrecognized states are studied. The essence of "quasi-states" and their role in the system of international relations are considered. The influence of international law on the existence of "quasi-states" is determined. The role of international structures and states in the processes of functioning of unrecognized states is analyzed. Aspects of resolving the problems of "quasi-states" in the context of the growing influence of the media and globalization processes are considered. The peculiarities of the existence of "quasi-states" such as Somaliland, Transnistria, Ambazonia, Western Sahara and their path to secession have been studied. It is recommended to focus primarily on assessing gaps in the international law system. Accordingly, adopt new, non-contradictory legal principles, norms and laws. Identify the reasons for the low involvement of international organizations in solving problems related to the existence of "quasi-states". Focus on updating the system of protection against information warfare, misinformation and information manipulation. Develop new plans for resolving international conflicts. Improve ethno-national policy in some states. Key words: "Quasi-state", unrecognized state, the principle of territorial integrity, the right of peoples to self-determination, virtual "quasi-states", self-proclamation, the media, globalization. References. Вілков В. (2005). Сепаратизм етнічний. Політологічний словник: навч. посіб. для студ. вищ. навч. закл. Далявська Т. П. (2016). Феномен невизнаних держав: політологічний аналіз. Большаков А.Г. (2015). Проблемная государственность в эпоху глобального кризиса национального суверенитета. Caspersen N. (2011). Unrecognised States in the International System. Jackson R. (2007). Quasi-States, Dual Regimes, and Neoclassical Theory: International Jurisprudence and the Third World. International Law and International Relations. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press.