State Secession and Self-Determination

As we wrap up our examination of state recognition and self-determination, it is interesting to note that the disputes over Kosovo independence flared up this week. As you will recall, Kosovo unilaterally declared independence, and the ICJ held that the declaration was not unlawful, but Serbia still refuses to acknowledge its independence or recognize it as an independent state. You can get an overview at Wikipedia here, but the should scan the ICJ decision itself, here.

Meanwhile, our friend and ally Georgia, and most of the rest of the world, refuses to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, about which you can read here, and here.