9. Laws of international boundaries and frontiers.

Case Study 1: The McMahon Line – India-China Border Dispute

Theories and Perspectives Applied to International Boundaries:

• Uti Possidetis Juris Principle – Ensures territorial continuity based on colonial boundaries.
• Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity Doctrine – Emphasizes a state’s supreme authority over its territory.
• Geopolitical Stability Framework – Examines how boundary disputes impact international relations.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• International Boundary Delimitation Model – Defines legal principles for border establishment.
• Frontier Interaction Model – Studies cross-border exchanges and conflicts.
• International Arbitration Framework – Evaluates dispute resolution mechanisms.

Recent Data:

• Border Dispute: India and China continue negotiations over the McMahon Line.
• Legal Status: India recognizes the McMahon Line, while China disputes its validity.
• Policy Initiatives: Diplomatic talks and military agreements aim to reduce tensions.

Spatial Variation:

• Core Boundary Zones: High geopolitical influence due to military presence.
• Frontier Regions: Moderate interaction with trade and cultural exchanges.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Border disputes persisting since 1914 Shimla Convention.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in diplomatic resolutions and legal frameworks.

Source:

• Laws of International Boundaries and Frontiers

Insight:

The India-China border dispute validates Uti Possidetis Juris, emphasizing the role of colonial boundaries in shaping modern territorial claims.

Case Study 2: Maritime Boundary Delimitation – Nicaragua vs. Colombia

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Maritime Boundaries:

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) – Establishes legal principles for maritime boundaries.
• Equidistance Principle – Defines territorial waters based on equal distance from coastal baselines.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Framework – Grants coastal states rights over marine resources.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Extended Continental Shelf Model – Examines legal claims beyond 200 nautical miles.
• International Court of Justice (ICJ) Precedents – Evaluates judicial rulings on maritime disputes.
• Customary International Law – Governs state practices in boundary delimitation.

Recent Data:

• Legal Ruling: ICJ ruled in favor of Colombia’s EEZ, limiting Nicaragua’s extended continental shelf claims.
• Geopolitical Impact: Decision reinforces stability in maritime boundary governance.
• Policy Initiatives: UNCLOS compliance ensures legal certainty in oceanic territorial claims.

Spatial Variation:

• Coastal Zones: High geopolitical influence due to maritime trade.
• Deep-Sea Regions: Moderate legal complexity with overlapping claims.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Maritime boundary disputes evolving since UNCLOS adoption in 1982.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in legal arbitration and treaty-based resolutions.

Source:

• ICJ Judgment on Maritime Boundaries

Insight:

The Nicaragua-Colombia maritime dispute validates Equidistance Principle, emphasizing the role of international law in resolving territorial conflicts.