Abstract

In this project I aim at understanding why the reunifications in Cameroon and Germany unfolded long term conflicts and violence. I analyze on a local scale why identity anchored with a specific memory architecture that even strengthened over time. On a global scale, I investigate why the international system favoured these processes over other alternatives especially since both reunification happened in a specific time in international history and provided the basis for a normative change within the international system. In that sense I contribute theoretically to knowledge on differing understandings of statehood, legitimacy, and secessionism and reunifications in international relations and law, and how the transformatory processes have been executed on the ground in the arenas of bureaucracy, rule of law, and society. For that purpose, I use quantitative text analysis methods for archival documents and data gathered from group discussions and interviews in the field. Empirically, I bring together two cases that were never analyzed in comparative perspective. This unique case design helps to analyze the alternativelessness of these regime transitions that led to the ongoing conflicts in both cases and, furthermore, contextualize current reunification efforts as in North Corea. Theoretically, researching reunifications supports an understanding of the long term effects and consequences of international engagement in statebuilding and investigates the ambiguity of international law, thus provide the basis for the reassessment of the state and its role in a changing international order.