Conclusions and Policy Options Paul Kingston

Abstract

This volume has presented a wide array of case studies of states-within-states—some as predatory and others as potential models of emerging states. Each has been born out of a unique set of historical circumstances although most have in common their emergence in situations of armed conflict. However, regardless of whether they are potential avenues of political or socioeconomic development or simply new forms of threats to already precarious states in the Third World, states-within-states are a significant new phenomenon in comparative and global politics that cannot be ignored by either scholars or practitioners. After reviewing and summarizing some of the definitional features of states-within-states, this conclusion will turn to a series of contingent policy options aimed at those in the international community struggling to come to grips with these challenges to conventional processes and means of diplomacy and development.