the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Crimea remained a part of Ukraine while its
population remained predominantly Russian. Of course, Russia has also serious
strategic interests in Crimea but normative and emotional reasons can dictate or
at least justify military action. Thus, after its annexation of Crimea Russia argued that self-determination can take place over existing state borders. 18
Territories are deeply stored in the collective memories of nations and ethnic
groups and the idea that they have been unlawfully 'stolen away' can motivate conflict. 19 There are numerous tension zones around the globe including
Nagorno-Karabagh, Cyprus, Taiwan, Kashmir among many others and most
combine emotional and interest-based parameters. In addition, many disputes,
such as in the South China Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, have to do with
exclusive economic zones and marine delimitation since the continental shelf,
and the natural resources it contains, is considered a country’s territory.
Therefore, many states in their reports on the implementing economic aspects of
self-determination under Article 1 of the Human Rights Covenants have focused on marine resources. 20 With all that been said, the danger with the war in Ukraine is that it can signal that a great power can get away with territorial conquest and this can lead to escalation in such unresolved territorial disputes. 21
This danger is significantly larger now due to the advent of multipolarity
since, according to the realist notion, changing power relations are often associated with territorial redistribution. 22 Furthermore, research has indicated
that territorial disputes are economically costly and, thus, relatively likely to
18 Summers, p. 462. 19 Forsberg, p. 438. 20 Summers, p, 463. 21 See, Tanisha M. Fazal, The Return of Conquest? Why the Future of Global Order Hinges on Ukraine, <https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/ukraine/2022-04-06/ukraine-russia-war-return- conquest?utm_medium=promo_email&utm_source=lo_flows&utm_campaign=registered_user_welcome&u tm_term=email_1&utm_content=20230505 > [accessed 15 May 2023]. 22 Forsberg, p. 435.
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