Overview
This lecture introduces micronations—self-proclaimed entities claiming independence but lacking recognition—and provides notable examples, motivations, and distinctions from microstates and unrecognized states.
Definition and Distinction
- Micronations are self-declared independent entities not recognized by sovereign states or supranational organizations.
- They differ from microstates (recognized small countries) and unrecognized states (which control territory and have geopolitical impact).
Motivations for Micronations
- Micronations are created for theoretical experimentation, political protest, artistic expression, personal entertainment, or criminal activity.
Notable Micronations by Country/Region
Antarctica
- Grand Duchy of Flandrensis: Founded in 2008, raises climate change awareness.
- Grand Duchy of Westarctica: Claims most of Marie Byrd Land since 2001.
Australia
- Empire of Atlantium: Advocates for open borders and free migration.
- Grand Duchy of Avram: Exists as a micronational bank, faced lawsuits.
- Province of Bumbunga: Declared loyal to the Crown as a monarchist protest.
- Murrawarri Republic and Sovereign Yidindji Government: Indigenous sovereignty movements.
- Principality of Wy: Founded after a dispute with local council, supports art.
Europe
- People's Republic of Kugelmugel (Austria): Declared after an artist's building dispute.
- Kingdom of Elleore (Denmark): Island micronation created by teachers.
- Republic of Uupis (Lithuania): Artistic neighbourhood in Vilnius.
- Principality of Seborga (Italy): Claims medieval sovereignty for tourism.
- Principality of Sealand (UK): Platform declared independent in 1967.
Americas
- Principality of Islandia (Belize): Crowdfunded island project.
- Kingdom of L'Anse-Saint-Jean (Canada): Declared municipal monarchy to promote tourism.
- Conch Republic (USA): Key West declared independence in protest, now a tourist attraction.
- Republic of Molossia (USA): Founded as a personal project in Nevada.
Other/Global
- Space Kingdom of Asgardia: Aims for a nation in space; launched its own satellite.
- Dominion of Melchizedek: Involved in financial fraud, claims Antarctic and Pacific territories.
- Kingdom of Talossa: Notable for its invented language and online presence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Micronation — An entity claiming to be an independent nation but lacking official recognition.
- Microstate — A small but officially recognized sovereign state.
- Unrecognized state — A territory controlling entity of geopolitical relevance, not widely recognized.
- Sovereignty — The authority of a state to govern itself.
- Crown Dependency — A territory under the sovereignty of the British crown but not part of the UK.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the main differences between micronations, microstates, and unrecognized states.
- Research further examples for understanding their motivations and impacts.
- Read about specific micronations for case studies if assigned.