Is vs Has Been – What’s the Difference

Key Takeaways

• “Is” refers to the current, recognized geopolitical boundaries and status of territories as they exist today.
• “Has Been” denotes former geopolitical boundaries or statuses that no longer apply due to political, social, or military changes.
• The term “Is” reflects active sovereignty and recognized governance, while “Has Been” highlights historical or obsolete claims.
• Both terms are essential for understanding shifts in territorial control and statehood over time.
• Analyzing “Is” and “Has Been” can clarify contemporary diplomatic relations and past territorial disputes.

What is Is?

“Is” in geopolitical context refers to the present and internationally acknowledged borders, territories, and sovereignties recognized by global institutions and governments. It signifies the current legal and political reality of states and regions as they exist now.

Current Sovereignty and Recognition

The concept of “Is” centers around the current sovereignty of a state or territory, meaning it exercises effective control over its land and population. For example, France “is” a nation-state with defined borders accepted by the United Nations.

Recognition by other states is a key factor in establishing what “is” geopolitically, as international diplomacy relies on acknowledging existing boundaries. Taiwan, for instance, has a complex status but “is” considered by some countries as a separate entity, while others dispute this.

The “Is” status also involves active governance, where the ruling government enforces laws and policies within the territorial limits. This is evident in countries like Canada, where established institutions operate within internationally recognized borders.

Legal and Diplomatic Implications

When a boundary “is,” it implies enforceable international laws and treaties govern the territory. The border between the United States and Mexico “is” a demarcated line defined by agreements and enforced by both governments.

Diplomatic relations depend heavily on the “is” status because embassies and treaties operate based on current geopolitical realities. For example, the European Union recognizes the “is” borders of its member states for trade and defense agreements.

Any deviation from the “is” status can trigger disputes or conflicts, as seen in contested zones like Kashmir, where the “is” status is disputed. These disputes highlight the importance of clear and accepted current boundaries.

Impact on International Organizations

International bodies such as the United Nations rely on the “is” status to allocate membership and voting rights. Countries that “are” recognized join these organizations and participate in global governance.

The World Bank and IMF also base their financial and development assistance on the recognition of “is” territories. For example, South Sudan “is” a member of these institutions following its independence in 2011.

Peacekeeping missions often operate within the “is” framework, respecting recognized borders while intervening in conflict zones. This was the case in Cyprus where UN forces respect the “is” boundaries established by agreements.

Dynamic Nature of “Is” Borders

While the “is” status reflects current borders, these can change due to wars, treaties, or referendums. The dissolution of Yugoslavia demonstrated how the “is” of one nation can evolve into several new recognized states.

Sometimes, “is” borders are maintained despite ongoing internal conflicts, as in the case of Ukraine’s recognized boundaries amidst territorial disputes. This illustrates that “is” represents the accepted legal status rather than uncontested control.

Border commissions and international courts play a role in defining and enforcing “is” borders, often resolving disputes through arbitration. The International Court of Justice’s ruling on the maritime boundary between Nicaragua and Colombia clarified the “is” boundaries in that region.

What is Has Been?

“Has Been” refers to geopolitical boundaries, states, or territorial statuses that existed previously but no longer hold legal or recognized authority. It captures the historical configurations of nations and regions that have since changed or dissolved.

Historical States and Borders

The term “has been” applies to former empires, countries, or colonial territories that have altered or ceased to exist. The Austro-Hungarian Empire “has been” a significant political entity but dissolved after World War I.

Former colonial borders “have been” redrawn extensively post-decolonization, reflecting the changing nature of sovereignty. For instance, British India “has been” partitioned into India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Understanding “has been” borders is crucial for studying conflicts rooted in legacy territorial claims, such as the division of Ottoman territories post-World War I. These past boundaries influence modern disputes in the Middle East.

Impact of Political Changes and Conflicts

Political upheavals like revolutions or wars often result in “has been” statuses for former regimes or borders. The Soviet Union “has been” a superpower with vast territories that fragmented into multiple independent states by 1991.

Territorial annexations or losses also create “has been” situations where formerly controlled areas are no longer under the original authority. Crimea “has been” a Ukrainian territory prior to its annexation by Russia, an event that remains internationally contested.

Peace treaties sometimes formalize “has been” borders by acknowledging changes in territorial control. The Treaty of Versailles marked the “has been” status of several German territories after World War I.

Relevance to National Identity and Cultural Memory

The “has been” status of territories often persists in national narratives and cultural memory, influencing identity and politics. The breakup of Czechoslovakia “has been” a significant moment shaping Czech and Slovak national identities today.

Historical boundaries that “have been” can affect contemporary claims or movements for autonomy or reunification. The Basque Country’s cultural identity is partly shaped by its “has been” status within different political entities.

Many diaspora communities maintain connections to lands that “have been” part of their ancestral heritage, even if those territories no longer exist politically. Armenian communities worldwide refer to historical Armenia that “has been” partitioned among different states.

Legal and Diplomatic Legacy

Although the “has been” status denotes obsolete political realities, it often underpins current legal claims and treaties. The borders of Germany “have been” redrawn multiple times, but treaties still reference former boundaries for reparations and property issues.

International courts occasionally adjudicate disputes by examining “has been” statuses to clarify ownership or jurisdiction. The ICJ’s ruling on the Bakassi Peninsula involved historical claims that “have been” contested for decades.

Diplomatic recognition can sometimes be influenced by “has been” status when successor states negotiate rights and responsibilities. The breakup of Yugoslavia resulted in successor states inheriting certain obligations and privileges that “have been” assigned previously.

Comparison Table

The following table highlights essential differences and characteristics of “Is” and “Has Been” regarding geopolitical boundaries and states.