Book Reviews Duursma, J.C. Fragmentation and the International Relations of Micro-States: Self-Determination and Statehood . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. Pp. xxv, 461. £55; $89.95 The book's focus is simple: "[H]ow do Micro-States function in the international community and what can international law learn from their existence?" (Introduction, at 3). It is dealt with in three sections. First, three aspects of (general) international law that impact on micro-states are considered. This survey is followed by five case studies of European micro-states: Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra and the Vatican City. The section is then rounded off with some general conclusions. Self-determination constitutes the bulk of the international law section. Reference is made to documents, debates and judicial decisions before focusing on the key question of conflict with the "right" to territorial integrity of existing states. The coverage is wide-ranging, if at times slightly lacking in focus. It is followed by a much briefer treatment of the criteria for statehood and the general question of micro-states within international organizations, both of which are more interesting than enlightening. Whilst being accessible, the whole section is heavily based on previous works, such that it only serves as a general summary of the material. Each of the five case studies consists of a survey of various aspects of individual micro-states, such as the history, demographic and economic conditions, constitutional arrangements, and relations with other states and international organizations. The consistency of information provided makes for easy comparisons and offers for a useful survey of the material. This is then related back to the prior discussions of the criteria for statehood and self-determination, before conclusions as to statehood are drawn for each entity. These brief summaries are both intelligent and accessible. However, recalling the caveat already made regarding the lack of rigour in the first section of the book, the reasoning used in the conclusions can, at times, appear convoluted and weak. One example is the interpretation of the Franco-Monégasque Treaty of 1918 in determining the extent of Monaco's formal independence (at 311-313). The reasoning is based on the right of the Monégasque people to self-determination having the force of jus cogens from the earlier theory discussion. It is further based upon an interpretation of the consequences of the negotiating positions of both France and Monaco regarding the Vienna Convention of the Law of Treaties (1969), and the subsequent status of its provisions as customary law. Whilst I do not necessarily disagree with the conclusions reached, I am not fully convinced by the reasoning offered. That said, there are relatively few such examples, and my criticism must be weighed against the likely volume and complexity of a full exposition on such a topic. The book concludes by taking the consideration of the theory of self-determination and the criteria for statehood, alongside the assessment of the five European micro-states, and applying them to three aspects of legal inquiry: namely, autonomy, secession and fragmentation. And it is here that one is left with a feeling of the incompleteness of this volume. Dr Duursma has taken the reader on a fascinating survey of the intricacies of these five European micro-states and of certain aspects of international legal theory. In so doing, the theory and the reality have been neatly and, in the main, convincingly tied together, but there is just the slightest sense that the opportunity for more firm conclusions was not taken. This is a great pity given that the preceding work is both interesting and generally rigorous. Or perhaps these conclusions await us in a future volume? If so, I would certainly wish to read them. Dave Carter Faculty of Law, University of Southampton
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