A recent media article described a meeting of Russia’s Duma (Parliament) where a senior minister lectured those present (Not too many) that the West’s accusation of Crimea being described as ‘annexation’, could be compared to the annexation of East Germany by West Germany. He went on to explain that 97% of the Crimean people were permitted to vote on becoming a satellite state of Russia ... something not awarded to East Germany.
Please bear in mind that I am just a bystander of this story.
This made me study the word ‘annexation’ together with the word ‘colonization’. Basically, to annex, means to add to one’s own territory by appropriation, but comprises brutal words such as; seizure, occupation, invasion, conquest, and takeover. Whereas, to colonize, means to send a group of settlers and establish political control over an area.
Thus, this becomes, literally, an interesting debate. I would argue that the Crimean scenario is truly an annexation based on the use of various sections of the Russian military, and the absence of an agreement of the vote by the Ukraine government. One could also say (Perhaps tongue-in-cheek) that most of the pro-Russian Crimeans were, originally, Soviet (Russian) colonizers. Having said that, sadly, it is a fait accompli.
It is too early to describe the situation in eastern Ukraine but, certainly, there is an attempt at annexation taking place, by Russia. I feel that, in fact, Mr. Putin was testing the strength of Ukraine’s national will and, in that, failed miserably. The king is alone with his bishop and pawns while, although the opposite side may have lost a castle, they still have their king, queen, and a few additional knights.
Perhaps, in summary, regarding word definitions; it seems that annexation describes a brutal action of seizure and conquest, whereas, colonization (although unpleasant) describes necessary occupation and control.
Finally, this asks if Tibet and Mongolia have been annexed or colonized by China, and is is it too extreme to describe Guantanamo (Cuba) as an annexation.
I am sure that there are a few other examples. Please click Comments below if you agree ... or not.
