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The Borders We Share: A New Way to Fix a Broken World
Section 1: Foundations of the Multiverse (Posts 1–6)
Blog Post #2: Khemed’s Oil, Crimea’s Shadow: Splitting the Stakes
In a Nutshell
Picture this: a dusty island called Khemed, dripping with rare metal, caught between two big-shot nations. Now swap that for Crimea, a real-world peninsula yanked from Ukraine by Russia in 2014, oozing with oil and tension. Both are messes of people, pride, and power—fights over land that don’t have to end with one winner. In my new series, The Borders We Share, I’m pitching a wild idea: why not split the prize? Share it like kids divvying up a chocolate bar—messy, sure, but fairer than a brawl. Let’s dive into these two tales and see how rethinking borders could change the game.
The Adventure Begins
Ever since I was a kid flipping through Tintin comics, I’ve loved a good mystery—especially when it’s about places where lines on a map spark real trouble. Last week, I kicked off The Borders We Share, dreaming up a world where borders don’t just divide but connect. Today, I’m taking you to two spots—one real, one from my imagination—where folks are locked in a tug-of-war over dirt, dreams, and dignity.
First stop: Crimea. It’s a rugged finger of land poking out of Ukraine into the Black Sea, a place that’s seen more flags than a parade. Way back, it was Greek, Roman, Tatar—then Russian in 1783. In 1954, Soviet boss Nikita Khrushchev handed it to Ukraine like a birthday gift. Fast-forward to 2014: Russia’s Vladimir Putin swoops in after a vote (97% said “join Russia,” but plenty call it fishy). Why? It’s got naval bases, gas fields, and a chokehold on the sea. But it’s not just about stuff—Crimeans are a mix of Russians, Ukrainians, and Tatars (kicked out in ’44, trickling back since ’91). Each group’s got a story, a stake, a soul. Putin plays it like a chess move, looking tough at home while the world yells “foul.” Sound familiar? It’s a knot of who-belongs-where that’s still bleeding—war’s killed over 30,000 since 2022.
Now, hop into my made-up world: Khemed. I cooked this up in my 2017 book, Sovereignty Conflicts, and spiced it up in Cosmopolitanism and State Sovereignty (2023). It’s a tiny island, mostly Muslim with Hindu pockets, sitting on a metal so rare it’s like pirate gold. Two nations want it: Syldavia, a flashy, far-off powerhouse with cash and cannons, and Borduria, a sprawling, broke neighbor sharing the same shelf of sea. Khemedians fish and farm, defenseless, while both sides claim it’s their holy turf—think Jerusalem vibes. Borduria held it ‘til Syldavia stormed in, guns blazing. Locals are split—some want freedom, others clash over rights (Syldavia’s got a death penalty for being LGBTQ+). Bigwigs from Nuevo Rico sniff around, eyeing the loot. It’s a mess I built to crack open a question: can we share instead of snatch?
What’s Really Going On
These aren’t just land grabs—they’re people stories. Crimea’s Tatars dream of home, not pawns in Putin’s game. Khemed’s fishers want peace, not a noose. My 2020 book, Territorial Disputes, says it plain: calling these “territorial disputes” misses half the picture. It’s not only about dirt—it’s folks, feelings, leaders flexing. In Crimea, a 1991 vote had 87% clinging to the former Soviet Union; by 2014, most picked Russia. Khemed’s split too—faith and fear tearing at its heart. Leaders love the chaos—Putin’s grip tightens with every standoff; Syldavia’s new boss hides rot with bravado. Outsiders—NATO, rich meddlers—keep it simmering ‘cause a boil suits them fine.
Here’s where I get nerdy but stick with me. In 2017, I dreamed up a fix: egalitarian shared sovereignty. Imagine everyone—Crimeans, Russians, Ukrainians; Khemedians, Syldavians, Bordurians—sitting down, blind to who’s strongest, and asking, “What’s fair?” They’d split it: equal say, jobs based on skills, goodies tied to effort, the big dogs helping the little ones catch up. Crimea’s gas could fund Tatar schools; Khemed’s metal could split three ways—mining, fishing, taxes. My 2023 twist adds color: think of it like a 3D puzzle—straight lines (who’s boss, who’s next) plus wild curves (selfish moves, random outsiders). Crimea’s grab? Putin’s ego, Zelenskyy’s unclear intentions, not law. Khemed’s stalemate? Same vibe, different flavor.
Why Sharing Beats Fighting
Why bother? ‘Cause all-or-nothing flops. Crimea’s a war zone—sanctions, blood, no fix. Khemed’s a powder keg—Syldavia’s win means Borduria’s rage. In 2017, I tested this on Kashmir: India gets water, Pakistan security, locals jobs—everyone keeps their pride. My 2023 lens digs deeper—a 2009 Kashmir poll showed 87% cared more about work than flags. Crimea’s oil, Khemed’s metal? Split ‘em: Russia keeps its port, Ukraine gets cash, Tatars get land; Syldavia mines, Borduria farms, Khemedians thrive. The strong lift the weak—no one’s crushed. Time twists it—Crimea’s 1954 shift haunts today; Khemed’s holy tales stretch back forever. Every voice counts—not just the loudest.
But Wait, Really?
Folks’ll push back: “Sovereignty’s king—sharing’s for suckers.” Russia won’t budge; Syldavia won’t blink. Power rules—Putin’s 2018 Crimea vote (42% turnout) was a flex; Borduria’s broke and desperate. Leaders crave glory—Crimea’s limbo keeps Putin golden and Zelenskyy a hero. Outsiders muck it up—NATO’s games, Nuevo Rico’s greed. Who’d agree? Fair point—my 2017 idea assumes good faith; real life’s grittier.
But here’s the comeback: sovereignty’s never pure. My 2020 work shows it—Gibraltar’s UK bends to EU rules; Asia’s sea claimants lean on ASEAN. In 2017, I bet on reason—Crimeans (70% for autonomy in ’94) and Khemedians want out of the trap. My 2023 puzzle cracks the chaos—Kashmir’s jobs beat dogma; Crimea’s gas could too. Sharing’s not soft—it’s smart.
Why You Should Care
Crimea’s war scars and Khemed’s imagined woes hit home—people hurt when borders harden. The Borders We Share says we can do better—split the stakes, not skulls. Next week, “Sherlock’s Docks, Ireland’s Edge: Clues to Equal Ground” spins more yarns—hard border, soft border, fights, same fix. I’m Dr. Jorge, and I want this dream in your hands someday—a series to spark chats at your table. Pop by https://DrJorge.World or join me on X (@DrJorge_World)—let’s redraw the world, one story at a time.
Dig Deeper
- Núñez, J.E. (2017). Sovereignty Conflicts (Ch. 6, 7).
- Núñez, J.E. (2020). Territorial Disputes (Ch. 1, 7).
- Núñez, J.E. (2023). Cosmopolitanism and State Sovereignty (Ch. 1, 6, 7).
- The territorial dispute between Borduria and Syldavia: https://drjorge.world/2024/04/12/the-case-of-khemed-between-borduria-and-syldavia/
NOTE:
There will be new posts every Tuesday.
PREVIOUS POST:
NEXT POSTS:
Section 1: Foundations of the Multiverse (Posts 1–6)
3. Sherlock’s Docks, Ireland’s Edge: Clues to Equal Ground
Holmes solves a turf war; Brexit’s Irish border.
4. Sherwood’s Green, Amazon’s Roots: Forests for All
Robin Hood vs. Sheriff; Brazil-Indigenous clash.
5. Atlantis Rising, Antarctic Thaw: Deep Claims, Shared Wins
Atlantis rivals; Antarctic resource race.
6. Narnia’s Ice, Cyprus Split: Thrones in Balance
Narnian kings divide; Cyprus partition.
AUTHOR’S SAMPLE PEER-REVIEWED ACADEMIC RESEARCH (FREE OPEN ACCESS):
State Sovereignty: Concept and Conceptions (OPEN ACCESS) (IJSL 2024)
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Tuesday 11th March 2025
Dr Jorge Emilio Núñez
X (formerly, Twitter): https://x.com/DrJorge_World
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