December 2, Slides 10-11 Flashcards
Why are all three entities in Bir Tawil referred to as “kingdoms”?
They are referred to as “kingdoms” because their founders claim monarch-like authority, symbolizing sovereignty over the unclaimed territory. This language underscores their attempt to establish legitimacy and recognition for their governance.
What types of promises do the self-declared kingdoms make?
Each kingdom makes promises that reflect their vision for governance: ecological sustainability, feeding global populations, or addressing refugee and statelessness issues. These promises are used to legitimize their claims and appeal to broader audiences.
To whom are the promises of these kingdoms directed?
The promises are primarily directed at the global community, including potential supporters, international organizations, and people who might benefit from their missions. They aim to gain legitimacy and recognition through these appeals.
How is “the international community” represented in these competing sovereignties?
The international community is represented through entities like the United Nations, media platforms, and global audiences who witness or engage with these claims. Each kingdom seeks acknowledgment from these bodies to validate their sovereignty.
What is the difference between horizontal and vertical recognition of sovereignty?
Horizontal recognition refers to states acknowledging each other as equals, while vertical recognition involves a state gaining legitimacy from its population or international organizations. In Bir Tawil, the self-declared kingdoms strive for both forms of recognition but often focus on vertical appeals to global audiences.
How do the “kingdoms” attempt to achieve international legitimacy?
The kingdoms use diverse methods, such as writing to the United Nations, leveraging media channels, or planting symbolic claims like flags or crops. These acts are intended to align with traditional statehood practices or highlight their missions to gain legitimacy.
What does the term “Terra Nullius” mean, and how is it applied to Bir Tawil?
Terra Nullius translates to “nobody’s land” and is used to describe unclaimed or unoccupied territories. In Bir Tawil’s case, while no state officially claims it, the term ignores the historical and ongoing use of the land by Indigenous tribes like the Ababda and Bisharin.
Why is Bir Tawil not truly a “dead zone”?
Despite lacking permanent settlements, Bir Tawil is actively used by the Ababda and Bisharin tribes for trade, grazing, and temporary camps. This highlights that the land has social, cultural, and economic significance, challenging the perception of it being uninhabited or stagnant.
How does the concept of “Assumed Crown Sovereignty” relate to Bir Tawil?
Assumed Crown Sovereignty involves claims over land under the premise that it is unoccupied or unused, ignoring the presence of Indigenous peoples. Applying this concept to Bir Tawil overlooks the historical ties and continued activities of local tribes, reflecting a colonial mindset.
What does the name “Bir Tawil” signify, and why is it important?
The name “Bir Tawil,” meaning “long well” in Arabic, signifies the historical utility of the land as a resource hub. This challenges the notion of terra nullius by emphasizing its past and present value to the Ababda and Bisharin tribes.
How does the presence of Indigenous tribes challenge the idea of private or state capture of Bir Tawil?
The activities of the Ababda and Bisharin tribes demonstrate that Bir Tawil is neither unoccupied nor devoid of human connection. These tribes’ use of the land undermines claims of terra nullius and raises ethical questions about attempts to privatize or claim sovereignty over it.
What broader critique does Bir Tawil’s situation highlight about “terra nullius” claims?
Bir Tawil highlights how the concept of terra nullius is often used to justify land appropriation while ignoring historical and Indigenous use. It serves as a critique of colonial practices that erase local communities to claim sovereignty over land.
