Definition of a non-sovereign nation-state

Hello everyone,

The APROFED association is getting back to you as agreed in order to send you 2 links to help you better understand certain terms, such as “ non-sovereign state ”.

Find a first link on the  notion of non-sovereign State  below:  Non-sovereign States (ulaval.ca)

As well as a second link on the  definitions of Nation, State,  etc. below:  Nations, States and Stateless Nations | Eurominority.eu

We learn in particular that  the Nation is defined as a human community with the awareness of belonging to the same group on a common territory . Which is what we have in New Caledonia.

We also learn that  to become a State, the said people or peoples must demonstrate their desire to live together and to do so, have the ability to legislate and pass laws specific to the territory.  This is something New Caledonia also has.

From this point on, it is already  possible to affirm the status of nation-state of New Caledonia,  unlike other communities in France, such as the Bretons, who have a (Breton) nation but without a (Breton) state.

However, New Caledonia is not recognized as a nation-state by the French state,  thus leading a part of the most radical population to demand self-determination with a view to obtaining its independence, that is to say, total detachment from the central state.

This non-recognition by the French State, which is explained by the dogma of the “one and indivisible” State  , which goes so far as to deny the existence of minorities, identities and regional languages, tends to impose through its behavior a sectarian and imperial vision of the French nation, thus excluding and refusing any dialogue.

This fear is also linked to the fact that traditionally the word State is reserved for a sovereign State.  However, this  term could very well be replaced by a synonym such as “Country”  and that  there are state forms without political sovereignty grouped under the generic term “non-sovereign States ” which are found through, for example:

– from the federated states of the United States, Australia, India or Brazil,

– free associated states such as Guam or Puerto Rico,

– from the Provinces of Canada, Argentina or South Africa,

– states of Germany or Austria,

– Swiss cantons,

– Autonomous Regions of Italy or Autonomous Communities of Spain.

The important thing is that the non-sovereign nation-state has, to varying degrees, legislative, executive, and judicial powers.  This is the case for New Caledonia, except for the judiciary, which would require the French state to transfer to the territory.  The non-sovereign nation-state also has its own constitution, administration, and financial resources.  New Caledonia also possesses all of these elements.  The Noumea Accords are equivalent to a Constitution.

The non-sovereign nation-state, however, remains hierarchically subordinate to another so-called central government,  which is again the case of New Caledonia, which depends on Paris.

It is therefore appropriate for the association that the State should, after a while, call a spade a spade and remove New Caledonia from its “sui generis” (specific) status for fear that other communities might ask for the same thing.

We wish you a good read and remind you that federalism is the only solution to reconcile unity in diversity.

The APROFED association