Cases involving statehood, recognition, decolonisation or constitutional options that need additional explanation.
4 published cases matching Political status and decolonisation.
Independence movements
Bougainville’s path from secessionist politics and a civil war to a peace agreement, autonomy and the 2019 independence referendum, whose ratification by Papua New Guinea’s parliament is still pending.
Independence movements
Kalaallit Nunaat
Greenland’s path from Danish colony to self-government, the legal route to independence in the 2009 Act, and the independence debate sharpened by US pressure in 2025–2026.
Historical independence
The historical independence process of Timor-Leste: Portuguese colonial rule, the 1975 declaration and Indonesian invasion, the UN-run consultation of 1999 and independence in 2002.
Political status and decolonisation
The unresolved decolonisation of Western Sahara and the question of Sahrawi self-determination: Spain’s withdrawal, competing claims, the stalled referendum, and negotiations under UN auspices.