Palestine is a famous stateless state – a nation unrecognized by much of the international community – but it is not the only one. In today’s Daily Dose, we bring you a geography masterclass on autonomous regions and stateless states: territories with differing degrees of official or unofficial independence from a so-called mother country.
Born of War, Living with ISIS
1 | The Autonomous Administration of North & East Syria (née Rojava)
Officially named The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), the region of Rojava – which means west in Kurdish – consists of seven self-governing sub-regions with de facto autonomous status. But the AANES isn’t recognized as autonomous by Syria or any other country. It was born out of the Syrian Civil War, when in 2012 the Syrian government withdrew its forces from the region.
2 | In Limbo
The AANES constitution, drafted in 2014, states that the region is an integral part of the country and a model for a possible future decentralized system of federal governance, but specifically rejects the formation of a separate nation-state. The AANES constitution seeks to “unite in the spirit of reconciliation, pluralism and democratic participation.”
3 | Rojava's Future Is...
Unsettled. In January of this year ISIS attacked a Rojava prison that held more than 3,000 ISIS members. Kurdish-led troops, along with a U.S. Special Operations Task Force, fought back and regained control of the prison. The local government, however, said they lack resources to keep their own prisons secure. This is a major problem, as the area has become a destination for ISIS fighters whose home countries have refused their repatriation.
Some Seem Content, Others Want Out
1 | China’s (Somewhat) Autonomous Regions
In 1947, China established Inner Mongolia, locally known as Nei Mongol, to integrate Han Chinese crop farmers with the nomadic livestock-raising Mongolians – which brought mixed results. This was the first of five autonomous regions that today include Xinjiang (formed in 1955), Guangxi (1958), Ningxia (1958), and Tibet (1965; locally, Xizang). These territories were created to ostensibly guarantee ethnic populations the right to manage their own internal business.
2 | Resource Rich
Inner Mongolia is abundant in such resources as coal, copper, natural gas, gold and rare earth elements. These rare earth elements (such as neodymium, gadolinium and yttrium) are essential to the global economy, as they are used in everything from mobile phones and batteries to MRI contrast material and fiber optics. In addition to mining, Inner Mongolia comprises nearly one-third of China's grassland and one-fourth of its pastureland.
3 | “Fighting Terror” as a Shield for Abuse?
While you’ve likely heard of Inner Mongolia, the name Xinjiang may not be familiar. But the Uighurs know it well; they are the region’s largest ethnic group. According to the United Nations, China has abused the Uighur people in various ways under the guise of fighting terrorism. U.N. reports estimate that up to two million Uighurs have been detained or forced into reeducation camps – or have disappeared altogether.
4 | Hong Kong and Macao
China uses a “one country, two systems” principle for Hong Kong and Macao, which goes back to agreements signed when the British and Portuguese, respectively, returned these colonies to the Chinese. But in the last several years, “one country, two systems” has been more of a slogan than a practice. Macao is pro-Beijing and has appeared to acquiesce as mainland China chips away at their agreement. In Hong Kong, however, there is unrest. This formerly pro-democracy territory has met the force of the Chinese Communist Party via massive crackdowns – outlawing protests, stifling a previously free press, and harshly punishing any dissenters.
Voyage To Independence
1 | Bougainville
Yet another post-colonialism origin story.
Geographically part of the Solomon Islands, Bougainville was officially part of Australia from the end of World War I until 1976. At that time, Bougainville, failing in its attempt to establish sovereignty, became part of the newly-independent Papua New Guinea. The discovery of copper in Bougainville led to the creation of the world's largest open cut mine. However, the locals typically did not benefit, as the constitution of Papua New Guinea stated that land ownership did not include mineral rights. Bougainvillians would become indignant about not receiving royalties for their region's copper, while having to endure the pillage and pollution of their homeland.
Things boiled over in 1988 when a landowner finally had enough and coordinated attacks to sabotage the massive copper mine. These acts of sabotage led to a near-decade-long civil war that involved Papua New Guinea, the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA), and other forces within Bougainville opposed to the BRA. Upwards of 20,000 people were killed, according to Australian government estimates.
2 | Bougainville for Bougainvillians?
Like many autonomous areas, Bougainvillians want independence so they can determine their own future and the use of their land. In a non-binding 2019 referendum, more than 98% of the ballots voted for independence. Bougainville is now set to become independent in 2027 if the Papua New Guinea parliament ratifies that agreement.
3 | Is their future bright?
Maybe. Bougainville relies mainly on subsistence agriculture and aquaculture. One of the largest exports is cocoa beans, which were considered among the world's best at a competition in 2021. While most mining operations have ceased, their pollution still impacts Bougainville today, and it seems there is scant money or political will to clean it up. Also, there are concerns of renewed hostilities if Papua New Guinea obstructs Bougainville's progress towards independence.