A damaged tank in the city of Bani Walid, Libya. AFP
A damaged tank in the city of Bani Walid, Libya. AFP
A damaged tank in the city of Bani Walid, Libya. AFP
A damaged tank in the city of Bani Walid, Libya. AFP


The world needs to accept the reality about non-state actors


Mudhafar Al-Jbori
Mudhafar Al-Jbori
  • English
  • Arabic

November 06, 2024

The international order has experienced profound changes since the Peace of Westphalia, a set of two treaties signed in 1648 that laid the foundation for the modern state system. Key events, such as the September 11 attacks, the subsequent war on terror, the invasion of Iraq and the Arab uprisings, have significantly reshaped global dynamics.

These developments have weakened traditional state institutions and enabled the rise of non-state actors. In a world increasingly defined by globalisation, technological advancements and shifting power dynamics, the concept of the state is undergoing a fundamental transformation.

The emergence of parallel states – entities that operate alongside or within established state systems – challenges the conventional notion of state sovereignty and raises important questions about the implications for the international order.

The term “parallel state” refers to a governance model that co-exists with the recognised state structure, characterised by alternative power arrangements, informal networks and non-state actors. These actors may include organised crime groups, insurgent organisations, multinational corporations and even NGOs that wield considerable influence over political, economic and social spheres.

In some cases, these entities may infiltrate state institutions, blurring the lines between legitimate governance and illicit conduct.

Unlike traditional states, which derive their authority from a monopoly on governance and even violence, parallel states often operate in a nebulous space, challenging state power and complicating the concept of sovereignty. Numerous entities exemplify the features of parallel states.

In conflict-affected regions, such as parts of the Middle East and Africa, insurgent organisations frequently establish their own governance frameworks, providing services and security in the absence of effective state oversight. These organisations can garner popular support by addressing local concerns, thereby undermining the central government’s legitimacy. Similarly, organised crime groups can develop parallel economies that operate beyond legal constraints, influencing local and even national political dynamics.

In some cases, these entities may infiltrate state institutions, blurring the lines between legitimate governance and illicit conduct. The rise of transnational corporations also contributes to the emergence of parallel states, as these entities can exert significant influence over national policies, often prioritising profit over public welfare.

The presence of parallel states fundamentally challenges the established notion of state sovereignty, which is based on the idea that a state has exclusive dominion over its territory and population. As these parallel entities gain strength, they can diminish the state’s capacity to govern effectively, leading to a fragmentation of authority. This phenomenon is particularly evident in failed or fragile states, where the central government struggles to maintain control, allowing parallel structures to emerge and thrive.

Additionally, the rise of parallel states complicates the international legal framework that governs state interactions. The principle of non-interference in domestic affairs, a cornerstone of international relations, becomes increasingly difficult to uphold when non-state actors play a significant role in shaping political outcomes. This situation raises critical questions about accountability and legitimacy, as these parallel entities may not adhere to the same norms and standards expected of recognised states.

Members of the South Africa's legal team attend a hearing at the International Court of Justice as part of the country's request on a Gaza ceasefire in The Hague in May. AFP
Members of the South Africa's legal team attend a hearing at the International Court of Justice as part of the country's request on a Gaza ceasefire in The Hague in May. AFP

The implications of parallel states for the international order are significant and multifaceted.

First, the rise of these entities can lead to increased instability and conflict, as competing power structures vie for dominance. This instability can spill over into neighbouring countries and possibly even lead to regional crises.

Second, the existence of parallel states challenges the effectiveness of international institutions and agreements. Traditional diplomatic efforts may falter when non-state actors are involved, as these entities often operate outside the purview of international law. This reality necessitates a re-evaluation of how the international community engages with such actors, potentially leading to new frameworks for co-operation and conflict resolution.

Finally, the emergence of parallel states underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of sovereignty in the 21st century. As the lines between state and non-state actors blur, policymakers must deal with the complexities of governance in a world where power is increasingly decentralised. This shift may require innovative approaches to international relations, emphasising collaboration and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges.

There is no doubt that the concepts of nation-state, sovereignty and non-intervention are fundamental to maintaining international order. After all, they provide a framework for peaceful co-existence and co-operation among states, enabling them to address global challenges collectively. However, these principles must adapt to the changing dynamics of the contemporary world.

As entities operating alongside, or within, state structures continue to gain influence, it is vital for practitioners to comprehend the complexities of this phenomenon. By doing so, we can more effectively navigate the challenges of governance in an increasingly interconnected world, fostering a more stable and equitable international system.

Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

The biog

Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi

Age: 23

How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them

Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need

Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman

Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs 

Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

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Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

SPEC SHEET

Display: 6.8" edge quad-HD  dynamic Amoled 2X, Infinity-O, 3088 x 1440, 500ppi, HDR10 , 120Hz

Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200, 8-core

Memory: 8/12GB RAM

Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB

Platform: Android 12

Main camera: quad 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 108MP wide f/1.8, 10MP telephoto f/4.9, 10MP telephoto 2.4; Space Zoom up to 100x, auto HDR, expert RAW

Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, full-HD@60fps, HD@30fps, super slo-mo@960fps

Front camera: 40MP f/2.2

Battery: 5000mAh, fast wireless charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC

I/O: USB-C

SIM: single nano, or nano and SIM, nano and nano, eSIM/nano and nano

Colours: burgundy, green, phantom black, phantom white, graphite, sky blue, red

Price: Dh4,699 for 128GB, Dh5,099 for 256GB, Dh5,499 for 512GB; 1TB unavailable in the UAE

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Tips for used car buyers
  • Choose cars with GCC specifications
  • Get a service history for cars less than five years old
  • Don’t go cheap on the inspection
  • Check for oil leaks
  • Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
  • Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
  • Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
  • Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
  • If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell

Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com

Russia's Muslim Heartlands

Dominic Rubin, Oxford

How to donate

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

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What it means to be a conservationist

Who is Enric Sala?

Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.

What is biodiversity?

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.

UK’s AI plan
  • AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
  • £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
  • £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
  • £250m to train new AI models
The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

PAST 10 BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNERS

2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2012 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2011 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2010 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

India Test squad

Virat Kohli (c), Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Kandahar%20
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if you go
The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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While you're here
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The biog

Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”

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Updated: November 06, 2024, 1:33 PM