State weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in Georgia, 1993-2003
This thesis is concerned with the persistent weakness of the post-Soviet states and it examines the implications of state weakness for inter-state relations. Applying concepts from the trans-national and globalisation literatures, this thesis determines that it is in the synergy between global and l...
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ndltd-bl.uk-oai-ethos.bl.uk-4419752015-06-03T03:21:24ZState weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in Georgia, 1993-2003Closson, Stacy Renee2007This thesis is concerned with the persistent weakness of the post-Soviet states and it examines the implications of state weakness for inter-state relations. Applying concepts from the trans-national and globalisation literatures, this thesis determines that it is in the synergy between global and local forces, state and non-state actors, and informal and formal economies where the dynamics affecting the post-Soviet state are located. The weak state is reconceptualised as an arena for the operations of stakeholders locked in a struggle for resources. The principles of network analysis are used to develop a political network model of socio-economic relations in a weak state. The network model is used to assess the role and implications of the trans-territorial networks operating in Georgia's energy sector. Numerous examples illustrate how the monopolisation of transactions by networks was a major contributing factor in the decline of Georgia, deterring it from engaging in collaborative arrangements to rectify weakness. The decline of the state occurred despite the fact that Georgia's geo-strategic location along a lucrative hydrocarbon transit corridor meant that it received significant levels of foreign assistance and investment. Empirically, the network model offers a different analytical lens, through which it is clear that a weak state's inter-state relations are best viewed within the dynamics of trans-territorial networks. Theoretically, the reordering of state-societal relations within the networks, as well as the interdependence of these networks with external actors, exposes a complex web of relations that disperses authority and legitimacy across a spectrum of entities. While not contesting the juridical sovereignty of a state, this thesis argues that a weak state's domestic sovereignty is neither a given ontological entity, nor is it located within the traditional polis, but it is rather simulated by various stakeholders traversing the state.320.94758London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.441975http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/1941/Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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320.94758 Closson, Stacy Renee State weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in Georgia, 1993-2003 |
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This thesis is concerned with the persistent weakness of the post-Soviet states and it examines the implications of state weakness for inter-state relations. Applying concepts from the trans-national and globalisation literatures, this thesis determines that it is in the synergy between global and local forces, state and non-state actors, and informal and formal economies where the dynamics affecting the post-Soviet state are located. The weak state is reconceptualised as an arena for the operations of stakeholders locked in a struggle for resources. The principles of network analysis are used to develop a political network model of socio-economic relations in a weak state. The network model is used to assess the role and implications of the trans-territorial networks operating in Georgia's energy sector. Numerous examples illustrate how the monopolisation of transactions by networks was a major contributing factor in the decline of Georgia, deterring it from engaging in collaborative arrangements to rectify weakness. The decline of the state occurred despite the fact that Georgia's geo-strategic location along a lucrative hydrocarbon transit corridor meant that it received significant levels of foreign assistance and investment. Empirically, the network model offers a different analytical lens, through which it is clear that a weak state's inter-state relations are best viewed within the dynamics of trans-territorial networks. Theoretically, the reordering of state-societal relations within the networks, as well as the interdependence of these networks with external actors, exposes a complex web of relations that disperses authority and legitimacy across a spectrum of entities. While not contesting the juridical sovereignty of a state, this thesis argues that a weak state's domestic sovereignty is neither a given ontological entity, nor is it located within the traditional polis, but it is rather simulated by various stakeholders traversing the state. |
author |
Closson, Stacy Renee |
author_facet |
Closson, Stacy Renee |
author_sort |
Closson, Stacy Renee |
title |
State weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in Georgia, 1993-2003 |
title_short |
State weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in Georgia, 1993-2003 |
title_full |
State weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in Georgia, 1993-2003 |
title_fullStr |
State weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in Georgia, 1993-2003 |
title_full_unstemmed |
State weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in Georgia, 1993-2003 |
title_sort |
state weakness in perspective : trans-territorial energy networks in georgia, 1993-2003 |
publisher |
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London) |
publishDate |
2007 |
url |
http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.441975 |
work_keys_str_mv |
AT clossonstacyrenee stateweaknessinperspectivetransterritorialenergynetworksingeorgia19932003 |
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1716804843702583296 |