Political Issues between Spain and Gibraltar
Uploaded by Daniel62 on Sep 02, 2012
GIBRALTAR; THE SOVEREIGNTY TRIANGLE
Summary:
The debate between Britain and Spain over Gibraltar has been going on for over 300 years. Although Britain has current possession and Spaniards believe it is theirs – the argument goes deeper than just national pride. The conclusion to this dispute needs to be resolved soon for the greater good of economy of Spain and the European Union along with the wellbeing of the marine reserves.
Key Terms:
Treaty of Utrecht – Acquiescence – Sovereignty – Britain – Illicit Trade – Bunkering – Fiscal Policy – Propriety – Spain – European Union
Background:
The occupied history of Gibraltar and the small area of land surrounding its spans over 100 000 years, making it one of the longest inhabited places in Europe. The peninsular has been a key trading point for many tribes and has seen the rise and fall of some of the greatest empires of the Mediterranean. The official history begins with the Phoenicians, but also influenced by the Carthaginians and Romans. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Gibraltar was then also ruled by the Visigoths, Moors and finally it was annexed by the Kingdom of Castile which enviably became the unified Kingdom of Spain. During the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704, a combined Anglo-Dutch army captured the town of Gibraltar. In order to dissolve the ongoing war a series of peace treaties were signed between the hostile forces, these included Spain, Great Britain, France, Portugal, Savoy and the Dutch Republic. The balance of power was restored and within Article X of the Treaty of Utrecht Gibraltar was handed over to the Crown of Great Britain.
Argument:
In a developed world, where disputes over the territory have been eliminated, there is a small piece of land fighting to determine its nationality. Since the Treaty of Utrecht, the Spanish have been eager to have Gibraltar returned but Gibraltarians consider themselves British and have no intentions of giving it up.
In this essay, it will start with a brief history of the major conflicts regarding the sovereignty and how this has led into the current political issues of today. Secondly it will investigate the views of the Spanish and how the actions of Gibraltar are negatively affecting the Spanish population and the greater EU along with how the waters are being used.
The first topic takes a look into the recent disruption of the fishing...