Prof. Robert Cribb (ANU): 'Puppet states revisited: sovereignty and self-determination

Prof. Robert Cribb from ANU will present a paper at the School of Arts Research Seminars. 'Puppet states revisited: sovereignty and self-determination in conflict.'

The term 'puppet state' is widely used in the study of international affairs to dismiss states which are claimed to be sovereign but which seem to be subordinate to a sponsoring power. The concept, however, has never been theorised, and the term has become one of abuse rather than analysis. This presentation will examine the origin of the term and its adoption to characterise the Japanese-sponsored state of Manchukuo, founded in what is now Northeast China in 1932. The presentation will suggest that we can make the concept of a puppet state useful be separating the distinct elements of far-reaching foreign control and illegal creation.