Definition and Recognition of Countries

• No universal definition for what constitutes a country
• Country recognition depends on whether other countries agree it's a country
• Number of countries worldwide ranges from 189-196 due to varying recognition
• Each country decides which other countries they recognize
• Example: if 100 UN member states recognize your basement as country, it would generally be accepted

Land Acquisition Requirements

• First requirement: securing territory
• Method 1: Steal land (requires military defense, problematic for legitimacy review)
• Method 2: Claim unclaimed land (preferred but difficult)
  • Modern satellite imaging/cartography means virtually no unknown islands/territories
  • Small number of ungoverned/unclaimed places still exist

Case Study: Liberland

• Located in unclaimed area between Croatia and Serbia along Danube River
• No international recognition, denounced by several nations
• Territory 17 times larger than Vatican (smallest recognized country)
• Serbia agreed it doesn't infringe on their territory but dismissed as frivolous
• Struggles with lack of permanent population
• Founders blocked from re-entering territory by both Serbia and Croatia
• Future prospects bleak

Successful New Nations

• Most successful new nations: partially recognized states splitting from recognized states
• South Ossetia: split from Georgia in 1990, recognized by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru
• Palestine: 136 nations recognize it, designated UN non-member Observer State in 2012

Antarctica Option

• Marie Byrd Land section unclaimed by any recognized nation
• UN Antarctica Treaty prohibits new territorial claims while treaty in force
• Seven nations have pre-existing claims (legitimacy disputed)
• Major obstacles:
  • No permanent population (researchers/tourists stay few years max)
  • 11 babies born in Antarctica took parents' citizenship
  • No sustainable economy or natural food production
  • Potential oil reserves could change viability (similar to UAE model)

Population Requirements

• Permanent population essential qualifier for statehood
• Nation exists to serve its people - no people = no nation
• Antarctica lacks permanent residents due to harsh conditions

Government Structure

• Well-formed government most important success factor
• 21st century countries likely based on John Locke's principles:
  • Natural rights: Life, Health, Liberty, Possessions
  • Government protects rights in exchange for limiting some freedoms
  • Government only works with common belief/support from people
  • Autocratic/absolutist governments rarely work in modern society

Constitution Requirements

• Every recognized country has constitution or substitute
• Must define laws, principles, entities comprising the country
• Not complicated process but essential step

International Recognition Process

• Most difficult step in country creation
• Takes potentially hundreds of years for full recognition
• Requirements for recognition:
  • Overwhelming backing from population within territory
  • Good reason for establishment
  • Absolutely undisputed territory
  • Well-balanced democratic government
• New well-recognized nations unlikely outside Africa or Balkans
• Governments too established/stable in other regions

UN Admission Process

• Final step for undisputed recognition
• Application reviewed by UN Security Council
• Security Council composition:
  • Permanent members: China, France, Russia, UK, USA
  • Rotating group of 10 others (15 total)
• Requires 10 of 15 votes for admission
• UN membership doesn't guarantee full recognition by all members