Disputed States: Territories you may not know about

Blog - Conor Graney - 15/02/2024

Abkhazia:

Abkhazia is a region located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, bordered by Georgia to the east and south. It features scenic mountain ranges, lush forests, and a picturesque coastline. The dispute over Abkhazia stems from the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, when the region declared independence from Georgia. This declaration led to a conflict between Abkhaz separatists and Georgian forces, resulting in a ceasefire in 1994. Abkhazia remains a de facto independent state, recognized by Russia and a few other countries, but is internationally considered part of Georgia.

Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh):

Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, is a mountainous region located in the South Caucasus, bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. It is characterized by rugged terrain, medieval monasteries, and ancient cultural heritage. The dispute over Artsakh dates back to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when ethnic Armenians in the region sought independence from Azerbaijan. This led to a bloody conflict between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, resulting in a ceasefire in 1994. Artsakh declared independence but is recognized by only a few countries, while Azerbaijan considers it part of its territory.

Chechnya:

Chechnya is a republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia, known for its mountainous landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and turbulent history. The dispute over Chechnya has its roots in centuries-old struggles for autonomy and independence from Russian rule. The region experienced two devastating wars in the 1990s and early 2000s, as Chechen separatists sought to break away from Russia. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and destruction but ultimately led to Chechnya being brought under Russian control, though tensions persist.

Crimea:

Crimea is a peninsula located on the northern coast of the Black Sea, connected to mainland Ukraine by a narrow isthmus. It features diverse landscapes, including mountain ranges, coastal plains, and picturesque beaches. The region has a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites dating back to ancient times. The dispute over Crimea stems from the annexation of the peninsula by Russia in 2014. Following political turmoil in Ukraine and the ousting of the pro-Russian president, Crimea held a controversial referendum, in which the majority of voters chose to join Russia. The annexation was widely condemned by the international community, and most countries continue to recognize Crimea as part of Ukraine, though it remains under Russian control. The annexation sparked a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, leading to ongoing tensions in the region.

Dagestan:

Dagestan is a republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east and Chechnya to the west. It boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastal areas. Dagestan has experienced ethnic and religious tensions, fueled by separatist movements and insurgency groups seeking independence or autonomy from Russia. While the region remains part of the Russian Federation, sporadic violence and unrest continue to pose challenges to stability and governance.

Donetsk:

Donetsk is a region located in eastern Ukraine, known for its industrial cities, coal mines, and agricultural areas. The region is characterized by a diverse population, including Ukrainians, Russians, and other ethnic groups. The dispute over Donetsk arose from the conflict in eastern Ukraine that began in 2014. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea, pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk declared independence from Ukraine, leading to armed conflict between Ukrainian forces and separatist militias. The conflict, fueled by political, ethnic, and economic grievances, resulted in significant casualties and displacement of civilians. Despite ceasefire agreements and peace negotiations, the status of Donetsk remains unresolved, with the region operating as a self-declared republic but internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.

Falkland Islands (Malvinas):

The Falkland Islands, also known as ‘Las Malvinas’, are an archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 300 miles off the coast of Argentina. The islands are characterized by rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and British colonial architecture. Background: The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands has long been contested between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The dispute culminated in the Falklands War in 1982 when Argentina invaded the islands, leading to a brief but intense conflict resulting in British victory. Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions persist between the two countries over the status of the islands.

Kosovo:

Kosovo is a landlocked territory in the Balkans, bordered by Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. It features rolling hills, fertile plains, and cultural landmarks such as monasteries and Ottoman-era architecture. The dispute over Kosovo dates back to the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, when ethnic Albanians in the region sought independence from Serbia. A bloody conflict ensued, culminating in NATO intervention and the establishment of a UN-administered protectorate. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but its sovereignty remains contested by Serbia and a few other countries.

Kashmir:

Kashmir is a region located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, divided between India, Pakistan, and China. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Himalayan mountain range and picturesque valleys. The dispute over Kashmir dates back to the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan. Both countries claim sovereignty over the entire region, resulting in multiple wars and ongoing tensions. Additionally, China controls a portion of Kashmir known as Aksai Chin.

Kurdistan:

Kurdistan is a cultural and historical region spanning parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, inhabited predominantly by Kurdish people. It is characterized by mountainous terrain, fertile valleys, and a rich cultural heritage. The Kurdish quest for self-determination and statehood dates back decades, with Kurdish populations in various countries seeking greater autonomy or independence. Despite efforts to establish an independent Kurdish state, Kurdistan remains divided among multiple countries, and the dream of statehood remains elusive.

Luhansk:

Luhansk is a region located in eastern Ukraine, bordering Russia. It is characterized by industrial cities, coal mines, and agricultural areas. The region has a diverse population, including Ukrainians, Russians, and other ethnic groups. The dispute over Luhansk arose from the conflict in eastern Ukraine that began in 2014. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea, pro-Russian separatists in Luhansk declared independence from Ukraine, leading to armed conflict between Ukrainian forces and separatist militias. The conflict, fueled by political, ethnic, and economic grievances, resulted in significant casualties and displacement of civilians. Despite ceasefire agreements and peace negotiations, the status of Luhansk remains unresolved, with the region operating as a self-declared republic but internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.

Northern Cyprus:

Northern Cyprus is a self-declared state located on the northern portion of the island of Cyprus, bordering the Republic of Cyprus and the Mediterranean Sea. It boasts picturesque coastal towns, ancient ruins, and cultural landmarks. The division of Cyprus dates back to 1974 when Turkey intervened militarily in response to a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece. As a result, Cyprus was divided into the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. The sovereignty of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey, while the international community considers it part of the Republic of Cyprus. Efforts to reunify the island have been ongoing but have yet to yield a resolution.

Palestine:

Palestine is a region located in the Eastern Mediterranean, bordered by Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. It encompasses the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and parts of Israel. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict stems from competing claims to the land by Palestinians and Israelis. Following the end of British mandate in 1948, Israel declared independence, leading to the Arab-Israeli War and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. The status of Palestinian territories remains a central issue in the conflict, with efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state.

Somaliland:

Somaliland is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia. It boasts rugged terrain, ancient cave paintings, and a rich cultural heritage. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. Despite functioning as a separate political entity with its own government, military, and currency, Somaliland is not internationally recognized as an independent state.

South China Sea Islands:

The South China Sea is a strategic maritime region in Southeast Asia, bordered by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. It is known for its rich marine biodiversity and significant oil and gas reserves. The territorial disputes in the South China Sea revolve around competing claims to various islands, reefs, and waters by multiple countries. China asserts historic rights over most of the South China Sea through its nine-dash line, leading to tensions with neighboring countries and disputes over freedom of navigation.

South Ossetia:

South Ossetia is a disputed region in the South Caucasus, bordered by Georgia to the south and Russia to the north. It is known for its mountainous landscapes, medieval fortresses, and cultural heritage. The conflict over South Ossetia erupted in the early 1990s, as ethnic Ossetians sought independence from Georgia. A brief war followed, resulting in Russian military intervention and the establishment of de facto independence. South Ossetia is recognized by Russia and a few other countries but remains internationally considered part of Georgia.

Taiwan:

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island nation located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. It is renowned for its modern cities, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes. The status of Taiwan is a highly contentious issue, with China claiming sovereignty over the island as part of its territory. However, Taiwan operates as a separate political entity with its own government and military, and maintains de facto independence. The situation remains a source of tension in cross-strait relations and international politics.

Transnistria:

Transnistria is a breakaway territory located between the Dniester River and the Ukrainian border, with Moldova to the west. It features Soviet-era architecture, picturesque landscapes, and a distinct identity. The dispute over Transnistria arose from the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, when the region declared independence from Moldova. A brief conflict followed, leading to the establishment of a de facto independent state. Transnistria is recognized by few countries and remains internationally considered part of Moldova, though it operates with a degree of autonomy.

Western Sahara:

Western Sahara is a territory located in North Africa, bordered by Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. It features vast desert landscapes and coastal regions along the Atlantic Ocean. The dispute over Western Sahara began in the mid-20th century when Spain relinquished control over the territory. Both Morocco and the Polisario Front, representing the indigenous Sahrawi people, claim sovereignty over the region. A ceasefire in 1991 led to the establishment of a UN-monitored buffer zone, but the conflict remains unresolved.