Case Studies Flashcards
South China Sea (Power, Sovereignty and International Relations)
Power - China flexing hard power in quest for hegemony.
Sovereignty -contested
Realism - states protecting economic interests
Legitimacy - whose claims are most legitimate?
Paracel and Spratly Islands
International treaties:
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) → Lack of enforcement and China’s rejection
Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) - - Philippines victory against China
South China Sea (Development)
Crucial region for international trade, with many natural resources. The dispute can discourage investment and trade, hindering economic growth and development.
Heightened tensions and military presence in the South China Sea can disrupt trade, deter foreign investment and tourism, and lead to lower economic growth and poverty, posing security risks and undermining regional stability.
South China Sea (Peace and Conflict)
Highlight the complex nature of territorial disputes and the potential for conflict resolution through peaceful means.
Need for effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution strategies to avoid escalation into armed conflict.
Demonstrate the importance of international law and the need for effective mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully.
Russia-Ukraine (Power, Sovereignty and International Relations)
challenges to maintaining sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world
use of hard power, Ukraine’s sovereignty is breached, realism in beliefs, use of cyberpower and collective security in NATO.
Russia-Ukraine (Human Rights)
Both sides have been accused of human rights abuses, including unlawful detention, torture, and extrajudicial executions. The conflict has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with civilians caught in the crossfire and forced to flee their homes.
Bucha Massacre in march 2022
Russia-Ukraine (Development)
Increased poverty and economic burden, with GDP of Ukraine shrinking, as well as international aid in assisting humanitarian crises.
highlights the importance of peace and stability for development. Without peace, development efforts are undermined, and poverty and inequality can worsen.
Russia-Ukraine (Peace and Conflict)
Challenges of maintaining peace in the face of competing interests
Armed Conflict, Third-Party Involvement (NATO, EU)
Myanmar Rohingya (Human Rights)
The Myanmar government has been accused of committing genocide and other crimes against humanity, which are considered to be international crimes
The importance of structural violence in this as well, with Rohingya people not having a right to a nation and the government not allowing them so.
Myanmar Rohingya (Peace and Conflict)
Religious conflict, Cultural violence, Structural violence, Ethnic cleansing
The crisis also illustrates the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, including discrimination, inequality, and political exclusion. The Rohingya people have faced long-standing discrimination and exclusion from political power in Myanmar, which has contributed to their marginalization and vulnerability to violence.
Berta Cáceres - Honduras (Human Rights)
Environmental and Indigenous Rights, the right to free speech and free gathering, as well as right to a fair trial, with the government only responding after international condemnation from Human Rights Watch and Organisation of American states.
Berta Cáceres - Honduras (development)
Conflict of promoting sustainable development in the face of competing interests.
Honduran government’s policies on natural resource exploitation have been criticized for prioritizing economic interests over the rights and well-being of local communities, highlighting the need for development that is accountable and transparent.
Berta Cáceres - Honduras (Peace and Conflict)
Conflict resolution and peace building, mainly considering positive peace and sustainability when facing conflicting interests.
Cobalt Mining in Congo (Power, Sovereignty and International Relations)
Power- Multinational Corporations, as well as soft power of China being a large corporation to Congo economy and the willingness of Congo to support China
Legitimacy- China’s operation in Congo and their legitimacy to operate in Congo, with government support.
ICC: The ICC has been involved in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2004, investigating and prosecuting individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed during the armed conflict in the country. The ICC has issued several arrest warrants and has opened several cases involving high-ranking military and political figures in the DRC
Cobalt Mining in Congo (Development)
promoting sustainable and equitable development in resource-rich countries.
importance of addressing systemic issues related to global trade and consumption patterns, relating to justice
Corruption of Congo government, with their reluctance to do anything about possible violations.
Cobalt Mining in Congo (Human Rights)
poor working conditions, including child labor and forced labor, and inadequate safety measures, resulting in accidents and fatalities
