Nation-building

This research program is based on the premise that nation-building, in whatever form, is a noble art and not a singular science. A universal theoretical model for the building and development of states does not exist: no ‘one size fits all’. The Vitoria Institute aims at developing a new vision on nation-building and a framework for implementation of that vision through this research program.

Recent experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan have damaged the reputation of the term ‘nation-building’. Moreover, this lack of success has raised doubts as to whether nation-building through foreign intervention or assistance can or should be undertaken at all. Foreign military interventions were considered too costly or an all-out failure because the nation-building efforts that followed the interventions were ill-conceived, ill-prepared or both. Similarly, foreign nation-building in the form of formal development aid has come under close scrutiny as the effects of decades long of foreign aid are seriously questioned and donor-states are themselves in economic crisis. On the basis of historical experiences and the current political and economic climate, it is clear that a fundamentally different approach to nation-building is needed.

Through workshops and expert meetings and continuous research, the Nation-building Program produces working papers that aim to develop a new nation-building vision. Upon constructing the new vision, Vitoria will engage with experts and practitioners from various disciplines to construct a framework through which Vitoria may assist in implementing that vision.

Research project: Cabinda and self-determination

Cabinda is a small though extremely oil-rich territory situated in west central Africa. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Congo to the north and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the east and south. Despite the fact that it is geographically separated from Angola by a narrow piece of land of the DRC, it is considered to be a northern province of Angola since Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and subsequent occupation of Cabinda.

This was the beginning of an armed struggle that continues to this day. Vitoria is conducting historical and legal research into Cabinda to get a better understanding of the status of Cabinda and other issues surrounding the territory. It consists of an inquiry into the historical background of the territory as well as the relevant treaties, as well as the right to self-determination and its application to the current situation in Cabinda.