Post-colonial diplomacy in Palestine: Navigating statehood and sovereignty in international politics

This thesis examined the complex interaction between post-colonial diplomacy, statehood aspirations, and sovereignty through the case study of Palestine. It explored how historical colonial legacies, geopolitical dynamics, and international legal frameworks have shaped the pursuit of Palestinian leadership of statehood and autonomy. Starting with the British Mandate and the Balfour Declaration, the study investigated how colonial policies and the establishment of Israel in 1948 played a role in the displacement and dissolution of the Palestinians. The thesis particularly analyzed the 1967 Six-Day War, which led to the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, as a critical turning point in territorial sovereignty disputes. The ways the Palestinian leadership has used diplomacy and subtle political moves to build its presence and influence internationally are discussed in this research—particularly within institutions like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. It takes a critical look at how effective legal routes, international agreements, and key alliances have been in supporting Palestine's pursuit of recognition and sovereignty. The research highlighted the enduring influence of colonial legacies on modern state-building efforts by situating Palestine within the broader framework of post-colonial studies. This study provided significant findings for understanding global conflicts grounded in historical injustices while contributing to debates on self-determination, sovereignty, and international law in a post-colonial world. Keywords: Post-colonial Diplomacy, Statehood, Sovereignty, Colonial legacies, International Law.