Where is a geographic area which appears to meet the Montevideo Convention's criteria but really doesn't?

Question

The Montevideo Convention provides the classical definition of the "state as a person of international law." Article 1 of the Convention holds that "The state as a person of international law should possess the following qualifications: (a) a permanent population; (b) a defined territory; (c) government; and (d) capacity to enter into relations with the other states."

However, I am doing a college project on anomalies in international relations, so I am wondering if there are any geographic areas which fully appear to meet the Montevideo Convention's criteria for statehood, but somehow actually don't .....

Of course, my research may be leading into a discussion of the possible shortcomings in the Montevideo Convention's criteria, however that would probably be a topic for next semester.

My current focus is merely on what geographic areas are not recognized by the international community as "states," but according to the Montevideo Convention criteria they arguably are states.

Answer 1

Northern Cyprus is a good example. Taiwan is also an excellent example.

Taiwan appears to meet the Montevideo Convention's criteria for statehood, but actually doesn't. Specifically, there is no legal basis for saying that the territorial sovereignty of Taiwan has ever been transferred to the Republic of China government. Consequently, there is no legal basis for maintaining that native Taiwanese persons are "Republic of China citizens."

In other words, the two assertions of (1) Taiwan belongs to the ROC and (2) native Taiwanese persons are "ROC citizens" are legal frauds perpetrated upon the international community (and the Taiwanese people) by the Republic of China on Taiwan, and their former illustrious leaders -- Mr. and Mrs. Chiang Kai-shek.

Answer 2

Human nature being what it is, corruption has been an everpresent evil since time immemorial. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Let me quote a few stanzas from Edwin Muir's The Castle. Our gates were strong, our walls were thick, So smooth and high, no man could win A foothold there, no clever trick Could take us, have us dead or quick. Only a bird could have got in. What could they offer us for bait? Our captain was brave and we were true.... There was a little private gate, A little wicked wicket gate. The wizened warder let them through. Oh then our maze of tunneled stone Grew thin and treacherous as air. The cause was lost without a groan, The famous citadel overthrown, And all its secret galleries bare. How can this shameful tale be told? I will maintain until my death We could do nothing, being sold; Our only enemy was gold, And we had no arms to fight it with. Corruption has reached the highest level-----The exposure by Agencies may not bear fruit, but I feel at least for some it may act as a deterrent. Out of 100 won't at least one be afraid ? We would have made a beginning in the right direction.

Answer 3

(d) is the interesting one, I think. The northern part of Cyprus has a, b and c but arguably lacks d. Or does it? It has a capacity to enter into relations with other states. But other states don't recognize it. Does that diminish its capacity? Does the fact that Turkey recognizes it make a difference?

I know this is turning your question on its head, but thought I'd chuck in my two cents worth.