4 The Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes: The Rainbow Warrior Affair – Experiences of a Small State

2015 ◽  
pp. 21-34 ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boussetta Allouche

Propped by Norway's diplomatic breakthrough in getting Israel and the PLO to forego their protracted state of war and negotiate their way toward a peaceful coexistence, this study focuses on small state mediation. It is an intellectual endeavor to shed light on a small state intervening as a third party mediator in some conflict-ridden international disputes. Because of the normative and legalistic approach that has dominated the study of international relations for quite some time, it is not surprising that the process of mediation can be difficult to grasp or, at least, subject to misunderstanding. Highlighting the small state mediation paradigm, the essay sets out Us background and offers an interpretative analysis of Us value. It addresses a number of questions pertaining to this avenue for international conflict management. For instance, where does international mediation fit within the larger spectrum of international peace mechanisms ? What are the distinguishing features of a small state's style of intervention, and how does a small state mediation differ from other mediatory schemes such as those intiated by other actors ? Most importantly, where does a small state's wherewithal to bring about a peaceful settlement of an international dispute stem from ? These and other questions are carefully probed in an attempt to grasp the dynamic of small state mediation.


Author(s):  
Jack Corbett ◽  
Wouter Veenendaal

Chapter 1 introduces the main arguments of the book; outlines the approach, method, and data; defines key terms; and provides a chapter outline. Global theories of democratization have systematically excluded small states, which make up roughly 20 per cent of countries. These cases debunk mainstream theories of why democratization succeeds or fails. This book brings small states into the comparative politics fold for the first time. It is organized thematically, with each chapter tackling one of the main theories from the democratization literature. Different types of data are examined—case studies and other documentary evidence, interviews and observation. Following an abductive approach, in addition to examining the veracity of existing theory, each chapter is also used to build an explanation of how democracy is practiced in small states. Specifically, we highlight how small state politics is shaped by personalization and informal politics, rather than formal institutional design.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Cuschieri

Abstract Background A relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome has been reported. Considering the diabesity rates effecting the small state of Malta it was considered appropriate to explore for links between these diseases, their metabolic determinants with depression. Methods A national health examination survey was conducted. A validated questionnaire note down (1) self-reported depression (2) anti-depressive medication (3) PHQ-9 depression symptoms score (>5 positive for depression). Participants with the presence of one or more of these variables were labelled as having depression. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Blood testing for fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile were performed. The biochemical (FBG, Lipid profiles) and anthropometric profiles (BMI, WC, BP) of the depression population were compared to those without this disease. Univariant and multivariant binary logistic regression models were performed. Results The depression population (17.2% of the total population) had significantly higher median LDL, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels when compared to those without the disease (p = <0.01). On univariant modelling each variable (LDL OR:1.15 p = 0.01; TG OR:1.16 p = 0.01; TC OR:1.64 p = <0.01) showed a positive association with having depression even after adjusting for confounding factors (sex, age, education, smoking, alcohol habits). On multivariant modelling only an increase in TC was associated with increased risk of having depression (OR: 1.36 CI95%: 1.05-1.76 p = 0.02) after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions The various components of the metabolic syndrome appeared not to be associated with a diagnosis of depression. Only high cholesterol level exhibited a metabolic link with depression. Although further research is merited, it is suggested that physicians incorporate a depression screening tool as part of their consultation when examining high-risk patients. Key messages A metabolic syndrome profile is not linked with depression. A high cholesterol level is linked with depression, making these individuals susceptible to potential cardiovascular disease.


2007 ◽  
Vol 89 (868) ◽  
pp. 823-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inga Rogg ◽  
Hans Rimscha

AbstractAfter decades of fighting and suffering, the Kurds in Iraq have achieved far-reaching self-rule. Looking at the history of conflicts and alliances between the Kurds and their counterparts inside Iraq and beyond its borders, the authors find that the region faces an uncertain future because major issues like the future status of Kirkuk remain unsolved. A federal and democratic Iraq offers a rare opportunity for a peaceful settlement of the Kurdish question in Iraq – and for national reconciliation. While certain groups and currents in Iraq and the wider Arab world have to overcome the notion that federalism equals partition, the Kurds can only dispel fears about their drive for independence if they fully reintegrate into Iraq and show greater commitment to democratic reforms in the Kurdistan Region.


2003 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 701-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
SIENHO YEE

The ICJ interpreted Article 36(1) of its Statute – more specifically, the phrase ‘all cases which the parties refer to it’ – as permitting it to adopt the doctrine of forum prorogatum as a jurisdictional principle and to adapt this doctrine to the circumstances of international judicial process, as an informal way of founding its jurisdiction over the merits of a dispute. The resort to this doctrine has given rise to some concerns and has not received the general acceptance of states. The Certain Criminal Proceedings in France case marks the successful return of the doctrine to the ICJ and shows that the doctrine is a valuable tool for nationalists seeking to protect national interests and for internationalists seeking to promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes.


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