
Statehood Guaranteed? Contributions of Sinking Small Island Developing States to Global...
Author: Marie Moens
This report examines the distinctive position of sinking Small Island Developing States (SIDS), a group of 39 States, located in the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea. As unique global actors, their legal and political contributions to global governance, specifically with regards to the consequences of climate change-induced sea level rise on statehood, merit further attention.
First, the analysis briefly maps out the evolution of SIDS as global actors, and their legitimacy as norm entrepreneurs. It investigates the specificities of SIDS’ action on the global stage: through alliance building and by leveraging different institutional frameworks. Second, it explores the strategies for change initiated by SIDS, through a case study of their actions in the area of the law on statehood. The report showcases how SIDS are seeking to alter the rules of the game: by reconceptualising statehood and its recognition, a core condition for the participation of entities in global governance institutions.
These developments carry significant implications not only for the evolving concept of statehood in international law, but also for anticipating and mitigating emerging sources of geopolitical tension. As the international community grapples with the growing physical and political impacts of climate change, the creative innovations pioneered by SIDS may shape how communities most affected by rising sea levels defend their way of life—and inspire other States facing different climate-related challenges to reimagine their own responses.