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"The Virtues and Vices of Fixed Territorial Ownership"

"The Virtues and Vices of Fixed Territorial Ownership"

Journal Article, The SAIS Review of International Affairs, volume XXVII, issue 2, pages 95-108

Summer-Fall 2007

Author: Boaz Atzili, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2006-2008

Belfer Center Programs or Projects: International Security

 

ABSTRACT

Today, territorial ownership of states is essentially fixed, in marked contrast to earlier periods in history. This change has affected states in two very different ways. In regions in which most states are socio-politically strong, fixed territorial ownership is a blessing. It enhances peace, stability, and cooperation between states. In regions in which most states are socio-politically weak, however, fixed territorial ownership is largely a curse. It perpetuates and exacerbates states' weakness, and contributes to internal conflicts that often spill overacross international borders.

 

For more information about this publication please contact the ISP Program Coordinator at 617-496-1981.

For Academic Citation:

Atzili, Boaz. "The Virtues and Vices of Fixed Territorial Ownership." The SAIS Review of International Affairs XXVII, no. 2 (Summer-Fall 2007): 95-108.

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