Secessionist and Statehood Bids in Times of Crises

About

Against the backdrop of ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, questions of territorial integrity, self-determination, and international recognition have become central to contemporary international relations. Yet few places in the world offer a more compelling classroom for studying “frozen conflicts” than Cyprus.

Located at the heart of one of Europe’s most enduring divided societies, this six-day summer program by the University of Tartu examines sovereignty practices and territorial contestations through the lens of secessionist and statehood bids, combining expert lectures, guided discussions, and immersive field visits. It introduces key theoretical debates while critically engaging with how sovereignty disputes shape international order, regional security, and policymaking in today’s increasingly fragmented world.

Why join the summer school?

Study Cyprus as a living laboratory: Cyprus offers a unique setting for studying secession and divided societies. The island remains politically divided between the northern and southern parts, allowing students to explore the realities of sovereignty disputes and conflict settlement in practice.

Simulation and practical skills: Students will participate in a negotiation simulation focused on the Israel–Palestine conflict, gaining practical experience in diplomacy, negotiation and conflict analysis.

International learning environment: The summer school brings together BA, MA and PhD students from different countries and academic backgrounds, creating an interactive and interdisciplinary learning environment.

Earn academic credit: Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive 3 ECTS credits and a certificate of completion from the University of Tartu.

Field trips to contested sites: The programme includes field visits to Nicosia and Famagusta/Varosha, allowing students to explore contested spaces, meet experts and observe how political divisions shape everyday life

Course leader

Prof. Eiki Berg

Target group

The summer school brings together BA, MA and PhD students from different countries and academic backgrounds

Course aim

This course explores central debates on sovereignty and statehood within secessionist conflicts, examining how movements mobilize self-determination claims and sovereignty practices to contest and reconfigure existing political orders.

The programme also analyses frozen conflicts, de facto states, and the politics of international recognition. Particular attention is given to counter-secession strategies, engagement without recognition, and the factors that shape the success or failure of secessionist movements.

The course takes a comparative and practice-oriented approach, combining lectures, discussions, independent work and film-based learning. Students will also participate in field visits to divided Nicosia and Famagusta/Varosha, as well as a negotiation simulation that provides practical insight into diplomacy and conflict resolution in the context of the Israel–Palestine conflict

Fee info