City Research Online

Abstract

This dissertation explores the legal implications of demographic engineering within the context of international law. While demographic changes often occur naturally, this study investigates deliberate and systematic alterations in population composition by authorities to achieve strategic objectives. The methodology employed involves a comprehensive review of scholarly literature and discursive practices of the United Nations to trace the origins of the concept of demographic engineering, identify recurring characteristics and connections to international law violations, and inductively construct an original conceptualisation of demographic engineering under international law. The dissertation defines demographic engineering as the authority-sponsored, intentional, and systematic alteration of the composition of the population in a target territory to strengthen or weaken certain identity groups. This encompasses various tactics, including discriminatory demographic policies, forced displacement, and settlement, aimed at reshaping the demographic balance of a territory by selectively targeting specific identity groups. The interplay between demographic changes and authorities’ actions is contextualised within historical and sociopolitical factors that influence the international legal system, situating the research within socio-legal studies. Drawing on critical legal studies, the study links demographic engineering to nationalist, imperialist, and colonial policies. Addressing a significant gap in legal scholarship, this study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the theoretical underpinnings, concrete manifestations, and legal implications of demographic engineering under international human rights law, international criminal law, and general public international law. It reconceptualises genocide and ethnic cleansing as forms of demographic engineering, argues that other criminal acts such as forcible transfer can be part of a demographic engineering strategy, and highlights the interconnectedness between seemingly minor demographic policies and larger-scale atrocities. It further frames demographic engineering as a tool for sovereignty affirmation, shaping statehood-related processes. This suggests that demographic engineering can violate the right of people to self-determination and can amount to a wrongful act, so its outcomes should not be recognised. Furthermore, demographic engineering may amount to persecution under international refugee law. In conclusion, the dissertation offers a novel analytical framework for academic research and potential legal claims, which is helpful for understanding the legal implications of demographic engineering and its evolving position within international law.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration J Political Science > JX International law K Law K Law > KZ Law of Nations
Departments:	The City Law School > The City Law School Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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