Stateless Nations and Their Endeavor for Independence
Open Access
Author:
Murphy, Carver Patrick
Area of Honors:
Geography
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Roger Michael Downs, Thesis Supervisor Roger Michael Downs, Thesis Honors Advisor Deryck William Holdsworth, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
Stateless nations Autonomy Nations Kurdistan Catalonia Self-Determination Independence Sovereignty
Abstract:
This thesis surveys the endeavor of stateless nations to achieve greater autonomy, in the hopes of crossing the threshold of independence. In seeking independence, nations create political parties to coordinate the tactics employed such as civil disobedience and protest. The movements rely heavily on authoritative leaders, a history of oppression, and a shared cultural background. When disenfranchised from political participation, these stateless nations resort to violent tactics such as terrorism and guerilla warfare. The international community has failed to act in a manner that will proactively mitigate the effects of these independence movements. To avoid conflict, the international community should encourage policies that allow stateless nations an avenue to independence through peaceful, political means. Doing so would help to resolve centuries-old conflicts and avoid potential conflicts that spring from stateless nations.
