Post-colonial Boundaries, International Law, and the Making of the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar

Abstract

The development of post-colonial states through the operation of the uti possidetis principle in international law is intrinsically connected to the suppression of ethnic minorities and the ensuing humanitarian catastrophes in these states. With the continuation of colonial boundaries in post-colonial states due to the uti possidetis principle, international law facilitates many of these catastrophes. Accordingly, through exploring the questionable legal status of the uti possidetis principle and the fallacy of its conflict-preventing potential, I argue that uti possidetis itself is a key problem. The continuation of arbitrarily drawn colonial boundaries undermines the legitimate right to self-determination of numerous ethnic minorities. This paper specifically explores the application of uti possidetis to Myanmar and how it contributed to the Rohingya crisis. In the process, the paper also highlights the inherent relationship between colonialism and international law and how it has shaped the development of post-colonial states.

Efforts of Different Regimes in Kenya Toward National Cohesion and Integration, 1963-2022

“…Across the world, the desire to achieve national cohesion and integration has formed a common debate in political discourses. Most of the conflicts in many countries are politically instigated (Shahabuddin, 2019). The crisis in Syria is historical and politically instigated, the crisis in Afghanistan is notorious, Somalia is experiencing a political crisis, Violence in Myanmar which has left millions dead is politically instigated, the Democratic Republic of Congo is going through volatile conflict, Regional tension is emanating from conflict in South Sudan, there is growing insecurity in Nigeria, Yemen is going through protracted conflict, Ethiopia is facing challenges of conflict, Sudan is experiencing political tension currently and conflict and many more not mentioned but is currently happening across the world (Alam, 2019).…”