Topic: Determining the Legitimacy of Secession Movements and Obligations of Parent States
Country: Uruguay
Delegate Name: Mason Adler
School: Vicksburg High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Uruguay position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay has itself been controlled by and has seceded from three separate states throughout its history: Spain, Portugal, and Brazil. Uruguay’s struggle for independence spanned from 1811-1830. Due to the nature of its origin, Uruguay would tend to support the legality of secession movements on the principles of “Choice Theory”, a secession philosophy that emphasizes the self-determination of peoples and the freedom to separate from a nation and establish an independent state. Uruguay would argue that secession is especially legitimate if it is in response to a past injustice, such as secession after an independent state has been conquered against its will. Additionally, Uruguay believes that if the popular opinion of a region or a faction is to secede, then it is within their rights to do so. However, Uruguay understands that it is also within the rights of a sovereign state to attempt to stop a faction from seceding.
In regards to the obligations of parent states, Uruguay did not rely upon Spain, Portugal, or Brazil’s reparations or care. Instead, Uruguay delved into the world around it and made a name for itself, establishing healthy diplomatic and trade relationships with Brazil, the resident superpower. These trade routes helped Uruguay find sound economic footing and build up its fledgeling government. Uruguay’s independent, individualistic nature helped it to begin to define itself quickly, and Uruguay would tend to believe that this self made approach would be best for any newly formed secessionist state. As such, Uruguay would not believe that parent states have any real obligations to the states that secede from them.
