Sovereignty in Flux
An in-depth, scholarly analysis of international concessions and leases, exploring historical and contemporary territorial arrangements and the exercise of sovereign rights across borders.
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Core Definitions
International Concession
In the context of international relations, a concession is defined as a "synallagmatic act by which a State transfers the exercise of rights or functions proper to itself to a foreign private entity which, in turn, participates in the performance of public functions and thus gains a privileged position vis-ร -vis other private law subjects within the jurisdiction of the State concerned."[1] These arrangements are primarily governed by the municipal law of the conceding state, though principles of international law may sometimes apply in cases of state succession.
International Lease
An international lease is an arrangement where territory is leased or pledged by the owner-State to another State. In such cases, sovereignty is transferred to the lessee State for the duration of the lease.[2] While the term can broadly refer to property leasing between states, a true "international lease" or "political lease" involves the transfer of sovereignty for a defined period, with the terminability of such leases now widely accepted.
American Concessions & Leases
Current Arrangements
The United States currently holds several significant concessions and leases:
Austro-Hungarian Concessions
Tianjin Concession
The Austro-Hungarian concession in Tianjin (Tientsin), China, was established in 1901 and officially surrendered by Austria in 1919 and Hungary in 1920, following the terms of the Treaty of Saint-Germain and the Treaty of Trianon, respectively.
Belgian Concessions
Historical Holdings
Belgium has held several concessions historically:
British Concessions & Leases
Global Holdings
The United Kingdom has historically held significant concessions and leased territories:
Canadian Concessions
Vimy Ridge Memorial
Following World War I, France granted Canada perpetual use of a portion of land on Vimy Ridge to establish a battlefield park and memorial, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
Chinese Concessions
Korean Concessions
Between 1882 and 1884, the Qing Empire obtained concessions in Korea (Incheon, Busan, Wonsan). These were occupied by Japan in 1894 and formally abolished in 1898 after China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War.
Dutch Concessions
Dejima Trading Post
The Dutch East India Company operated a trading post on Hirado, Japan, from 1609. Following the Shimabara Rebellion and subsequent isolation policies, the Dutch were moved to Dejima in Nagasaki in 1641. This post was abolished after Japan's treaty with the United States in 1858.
French Concessions
Holdings in Asia
France historically held several concessions, particularly in China:
Finnish Leases
Saimaa Canal
The Saimaa Canal, located on the border with Russia, is leased from Russia under treaties from 1963 and 2010 for a period of 50 years, involving civilian and commercial administration.
German Concessions
Concessions in China
Germany held several concessions in China:
Italian Concessions
Tianjin Concession
The Italian concession in Tianjin (Tientsin) was conceded by Qing China in 1901. It was occupied by Japan during World War II and formally returned to Nationalist China in 1947 via a peace treaty.
Japanese Concessions
Holdings
Japan held concessions in China and Korea:
Portuguese Concessions
Historical Territories
Portugal's historical concessions and colonial territories include:
Russian & Soviet Concessions/Leases
Strategic Holdings
Russia and the Soviet Union have held various concessions and leases:
Spanish Concessions
Influence in Asia and Pacific
Spain's historical claims and concessions include:
Jointly Held Concessions
International Settlements
Several locations were administered as international settlements, involving multiple nations:
United Nations Concessions & Headquarters
Global Presence
The United Nations operates several key facilities under specific jurisdictional arrangements:
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References
References
- William C. Johnstone, "International Relations: The Status of Foreign Concessions and Settlements in the Treaty Ports of China", The American Political Science Review, no 5, Oct. 1937, p. 942.
- Stuart, Graham Henry (1955) [1931]. The international city of Tangier. Stanford books in world politics (en inglรยฉs) (2da ediciรยณn). Redwood City, Estados Unidos: Stanford University Press. OCLC 59027016.
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice for Scholars
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available academic sources, primarily Wikipedia. It is intended for advanced academic study and informational purposes only.
This is not legal or diplomatic advice. The content presented herein is a scholarly overview and should not be construed as professional legal counsel, diplomatic consultation, or definitive historical interpretation. The complexities of international law, sovereignty, and treaty obligations require consultation with qualified experts in international relations and law. The information provided is based on data that may not be exhaustive, entirely current, or reflect all nuances of these intricate subjects.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this content. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and engage with peer-reviewed scholarship for comprehensive understanding.