Are These Places Even Countries?

Overview of a handful of places that are of questionable status in regard to geopolitics. I examine Kosovo, Western Sahara, Somaliland, Northerm Cyprus, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Taiwan and more to determine whether or not these places can call themselves "countries".

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Album displayed:
Dead Kennedys - "Bedtime for Democracy" (1986)

0:00 Intro
1:23 Kosovo
4:05 Northern Cyprus
6:41 Western Sahara
10:58 Somaliland
13:21 Caucasus Overview
14:22 Abkhazia
15:51 South Ossetia
17:14 Transnistria
19:32 Taiwan
21:29 Outro

[surroundgatari]

14:45 PLEASE let me point out that the Abkhaz language is ENTIRELY UNRELATED from Georgian. They are not just the same, but in every other way your analysis was completely on point

[danlee]

Taiwan is amazing to visit. Friendly people, safe cities and beautiful landscape. Shame it's hurt so much by not being fully recognized

[ericjepson]

I've been to Taiwan twice and it's an awesome place. Great food and the night markets are amazing.
North of Taipei is Yangmingshan, a gorgeous mountain region and I was lucky enough to see a Blue Magpie

[StevenFuller]

Extremely interesting. I bet there’s a part 2 and maybe more.
Now do one on whether Florida is really part of the United States.

[holdenackerman]

You asked why China would be interested in the recognition of an independent Kosovo, and you more-or-less answered it in your coverage of Taiwan. Beijing does not want to give legitimacy to breakaway states given their own relations with Taiwan and Tibet. They do support Russian interests but only to an extent, hence the lack of endorsement for the breakaway states in Georgia. Kosovo has yet to be recognized by all EU states for the same reason. Spain hasn’t formally recognized them on account of having their own semi-autonomous regions. No big nation cares too much about the little guys, they just can’t give away their hand

[lemuret]

What an excellent, well-rehearsed piece. I'm glad you chose to discuss the many messy political aspects involved.

[promontorium]

Maybe more because Somalia has no ability to say otherwise, but Somaliland has been de facto independent for years. They have their own elected government and it operates about as well as most other African countries entirely independently from the Somalian state.

[Jack_Stacks]

Somaliland deserves much more recognition.

[dbowielookalike]

Love the Dead Kennedys product placement.

[andrewgraves]

Howdy, Kyle, particularly good one! Lots of the geopolitical I didn’t know. I also could hear more about oddities and extremes, like low density former nomadic stuff, wow. Thanks!

[MikeP]

When I clicked on this video I was wondering if Georgia would be mentioned. I have a friend from Tbilisi and she's taught me quite a bit about the country, but I wasn't very knowledgeable about the two secessionist regions. I learned a lot, so thanks!

Idles last time, now Dead Kennedys?! "Bedtime for Democracy" is so perfect for this video, too. 😂
You're the coolest nerd on earth.

[layza_]

Hey Kyle, great video overall! If I may, I'd just like to add a bit of context to the whole Kosovo situation. As an American of Serbian ancestry, I can confidently say that the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia — not to mention the tensions that have long existed in the Balkans at large — are rooted in an immensely intricate history of conflict throughout that entire region. It's impossible to cover it all in a simple comment, but I'd just like to point out a few things:

-Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008 — while unsurprising given the ethnic tensions — was not necessarily considered "legal" in accordance with the UN's framework regarding the creation of newly-formed, independent states. In fact, there are several countries (mostly in Africa) that have since withdrawn their recognition of Kosovo

-None of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) recognize Kosovo's independence. Most countries in Latin America, along with many in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia don't recognize Kosovo as independent, either. To that end, the issue is not necessarily a vestige of the Cold War, as many countries (including many non-aligned nations) side with Serbia on this issue

You brought up an excellent point in that Russia undoubtedly doesn't want to see any more countries joining NATO, but in my opinion, their original opposition to Kosovo's independence was most closely correlated with its historical and religious ties to Serbia. The two nations share a deeply profound and intricate bond that is essentially unwavering, and yet the former Yugoslavia — unlike other communist countries — actually enjoyed relatively close ties to the Western Bloc, including the United States. Thus, they were able to successfully straddle both sides of the "Iron Curtain, " as it were. In any case, I firmly believe that NATO's intervention in the Kosovo War – while ostensibly designed to prevent/end genocide — was largely rooted in the ulterior motive of undermining Russia (at Serbia's expense). To that end, I agree with your point about Cold War politics serving as at least part of the reason why this issue has become so contentious.

For what it's worth, several EU countries (including a few NATO members) don't recognize Kosovo's independence either, including Spain, Slovakia, Romania, and Greece.

Anyway, I hope this was insightful on some level to anyone interested in reading into this issue. As previously mentioned, it's an incredibly complex issue with multiple facets and countless perspectives to take into consideration. In any case, I hope those interested in this topic found the info to be useful. Thanks!

[GreedoGangrene]

In Morocco, it is very Taboo to discuss the legitimacy of the Western Sahara. To most there, it is considered a part of Morocco.

[madmaxdystopia]

Very informative and interesting. People always ask why can’t we all just get along, but just like here in these divided states there’s as many reasons as there are people.

[peterho]

Awesome video. Learned a lot. This is why I subscribe to your channel.

[yyhkodu]

Of course Taiwan is a country. It is more of a real country than the PRC is. It's like comparing South Korea to North Korea.

[rflameng]

The reason for Russia and (mainland) China's reluctance to recognize breakaway bits of territory is quite simple. Within the Russian Federation and the PRC there are plenty of areas with minorities that have cause to want autonomy. Admitting the Kosovars' rights would open a can of worms they'd rather keep closed.

[Rockermom]

I enjoyed your video very much. I learned a lot, thank you.

[Cartoonclipschannel]

Maybe the real countries are the friends we made along the way

[hugequiz]

Really depends who you ask...The Koreas don't even recognize each other.