Journal Article - The SAIS Review of International Affairs

The Virtues and Vices of Fixed Territorial Ownership

| Summer-Fall 2007

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 on this publication: Please contact International Security
For Academic Citation: Atzili, Boaz. “The Virtues and Vices of Fixed Territorial Ownership.” The SAIS Review of International Affairs, vol. XXVII. no. 2. (Summer-Fall 2007):
95-108
.

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