Talk:Public International Law/Actors in International Law/States

Review: May 30, 2023
Dear Alex,

I can only agree with Sué and Max - a brilliant chapter. Thank you so much! I also added only some small suggestions. I agree with Max on the wordcount and where there is potential to shorten the text a bit.

Best, Raffaela --Raffaela Kunz (discuss • contribs) 16:54, 30 May 2023 (UTC)

Review: 24 May 2023
Dear Alex,

I love this chapter so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have added some minor comments in the text, but otherwise I think this chapter is good to go content-wise.

Warm regards, Sué

Sué González Hauck (discuss • contribs) 19:11, 24 May 2023 (UTC)

Review: May 16, 2023
Your chapter is exceptionally well-written, presenting complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner while also raising thought-provoking questions. One aspect of your chapter that I particularly appreciated was the structure. Each section began with a concise introduction, providing an overview of the topic at hand. This approach allowed readers to grasp the main points before delving into a more detailed discussion. Additionally, you made a conscious effort to revisit and reinforce key points throughout the chapter. Another strength of the chapter was your ability to strike a balance between presenting established viewpoints and offering critical analysis. You not only introduced the prevailing opinions on statehood in international law but also presented alternative perspectives. This critical approach encourages students to engage with the material and develop their own understanding of the subject matter.

Some minor things:

- You will also find some comments in your chapter in which I elaborate on something more specifically. To view these comments, just open you chapter page and click on "Edit" in the top-right toolbox.

- Note also that the following parts are still missing: required knowledge, summary

- You could add some links to other chapters of the textbook.

- Note that I have a few linguistic and stylistic improvements to the text

Max Milas (discuss • contribs) 08:34, 16 May 2023 (UTC)

Review 22 November 2021
Dear Alex,

Thank you for this outline, I am much looking forward to reading the chapter. Brief feedback on the structure: Given that we have a separate chapter on jurisdiction, I wonder whether you could just refer to this to avoid an overlap. In the "recognition" section, I would find it interesting to include the distinction between recognition of states and of governments. Maybe you could even add a small section on the latter given its renewed relevance (Venezuela, Afghanistan)? Finally, I think it would be great to include a section on borders and continuity and extinction of statehood. If you think that this exceeds the space you have, we should probably think about adding a separate small chapter on this - let me know what you think!

Best, --Raffaela Kunz (discuss • contribs) 10:14, 22 November 2021 (UTC)


 * Dear Alex
 * I really enjoyed reading your chapter. I thought it was well written. You have written a clear, concise, and understandable introduction to the concept of states in international law.
 * There is really nothing further I could say, except perhaps to ask whether you could say more about the creation of states from the decolonisation moment (although I understand there is a separate decolonisation chapter). I also wonder if there is space within an introductory text on states for Palestine.
 * I have also recently come across the work of Kate Purcell on the relationship between geographical change and the law of the sea, which raises questions on how climate change could affect not only the maritime entitlements of small island states, but also the prospect of those island states disappearing altogether as sea levels rise. Perhaps this might enrich the section concerning the extinction of states.
 * But overall, the text reads really well.
 * Warmly
 * Alex AlexPDelaCruz (discuss • contribs) 05:59, 9 June 2022 (UTC)
 * Dear Alex,
 * Thank you very much for this generous review. I deliberately stayed away from decolonisation for the reason you mention, although I could include a brief blurb on that topic, if the general editors wish. I would love to write something on Palestine (in fact, an analysis of that state is part of a book project I have coming up) however I am worried that the 200 or so words I would have to address it here could scarcely do the subject justice. I am familiar with Kate's work, yes. I will add reference to her in the final version, however from memory (I have her book on the shelf behind me) her actual analysis of the existential question is reasonably short. Thanks again for your care and attention with this review, I really appreciate it.
 * All the best,
 * Alex GlexAreen-York (discuss • contribs) 07:07, 9 June 2022 (UTC)
 * FYI, I have now added reference to Purcell and to the chapter on decolonisation into the text.
 * A GlexAreen-York (discuss • contribs) 11:13, 16 June 2022 (UTC)