International Status in the Shadow of Empire: Nauru and the Histories of International Law

This book explores Nauru's imperial history and its significance to international law, arguing that imperial form accretes as international status shifts and that international recognition of sovereign status marks the beginning of decolonization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 319 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Nauru, a small island nation, often stands as an anomaly within the international order. In this captivating book, the authors present a fresh perspective on Nauru's imperial history, delving into its profound significance to the histories of international law. By employing theories of jurisdiction and bureaucracy, the book reconstructs four pivotal shifts in Nauru's status, ranging from a German protectorate to a League of Nations C Mandate, a United Nations Trust Territory, and finally, achieving sovereign statehood. Through this meticulous analysis, the book argues that as international status undergoes transformations, imperial forms accumulate, resulting in a gradual process of bureaucratization.

Two key conclusions arise from this compelling argument. Firstly, the book establishes that the imperial administration in Nauru played a significant role in contributing to the Republic's post-independence challenges. Secondly, it emphasizes that international recognition of sovereign status marks a mere beginning, rather than an end, of the process of decolonization.

This insightful book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of imperialism, international law, and decolonization, shedding light on the lesser-known histories and legacies of nations such as Nauru. It is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the intricate interplay between power, governance, and the global order.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108724104
Edition number: New ed