1.7 Conceptual framework
The conceptual framework that was used in this research was mainly based on the theory of realism. Realism is a school of thought in international relations that gives priority to national interest and security as opposed to ideals, social reconstruction, and ethics. Ofuho observes that realism views the relations between sovereign states in terms of ‘a balance of power’, in which states pursue their individual national interests in an anarchic international system.[45] In this research, the national interests of states were looked into vis-à-vis recognizing other territories as states.
This research was also guided by the tenets of structural realism to the extent that the IS as a structure is seen acting on the state. Wagner observes that the claim that propositions about the behavior of states can be deduced from properties of the state system is the most basic idea in structural realism or neorealism.[46] In this case, the IS appears to be defining the requirements which the territory of Somaliland must fulfill in order to be granted state recognition.
Institutional liberalism as a theory was most definitely applicable in this research to the extent of analyzing the role of IGOs in the non-recognition of Somaliland. Institutional liberalism is a modern theory of international relations. Jackson and Sørensen summarize institutional liberalism by affirming that “…international institutions help promote cooperation between states and thereby help alleviate the lack of trust between states and states’ fear of each other which are considered to be the traditional problems associated with international anarchy…”[47] Jackson and Sørensen add that institutions provide a flow of information and opportunities to negotiate, enhance the ability of governments to monitor others’ compliance and to implement their own commitments-hence their ability to make credible commitments; and strengthen prevailing expectations about the solidity of international agreements.[48]
Realism and institutionalism are not competing for theories in this research but rather complementary because they analyze the activities of states in the IS.
1.8 Hypotheses
This research was based on the following hypotheses:
- When a territory fulfills certain set standards for statehood, other actors in the international system are more likely to recognize the territory as a state.
- Intergovernmental organizations influence the recognition of territories as states in the international system.
- The more territory as an entity interacts with other actors in the international system, the more likely it is to be recognized as a state.
1.9 Research Methodology
This study used the research design in case of exploratory research studies otherwise also known as formulative research studies. Specifically, the method used was the survey of concerning literature. This research used non-probability sampling; specifically purposive sampling.
This research mostly relied on secondary sources of data. Where possible, the researcher also endeavored to use primary data in the form of interviews with experts in the field of this research. Specifically, this research used the case study method and interviews.
This research had a focus on Somaliland. The researcher was not able to visit Somaliland in order to collect data. This is due to the high costs of transportation as well as living costs and also against the backdrop of the researcher being limited as far as pecuniary resources are concerned. The researcher de-limited this by making attempts to conduct telephone interviews with his contacts already in Somaliland as well as extensively reviewing available material on the research topic.
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