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The comment I was replying to was discussing the economic possibilities inherent in having a coastline. A large number of which are governed by actual, taxable

by ethbr0 5y ago

The comment I was replying to was discussing the economic possibilities inherent in having a coastline. A large number of which are governed by actual, taxable control of the waters in question. Which in turn is defined by international treaties (and local power acceptance of same). Anyone can call themselves a nation, but being one requires an economy based on something. And presumably agriculture isn't an option with 1.5 acres of sandy soil.

s1artibartfast 5y ago
I still don't see how international recognition impacts any of this. For example, the tax status of someone in Hawaii doesn't depend on what the UN or China says about it. It only depends the ability to enforce the taxes locally. As I understand it, the most likely economic purpose of this island would be a tax haven. This only depends on people using the haven willing to pay for it, and Belize agreeing that they will not try to tax it.
- ethbr0 5y ago
  > Coastline could be the answer to all of those. Ships are housing and have their own self-contained infrastructure. Fishing and transport are a few major economic activities of significant value. You're going to be hard pressed to construct an economy around any of those without an international agreement defining you as the sovereign entity. Otherwise, why would I, the captain of a Mexican ship, pay taxes to Coffee Caye? Because Belize tells me to? Well, then we've just found out who has sovereignty.
  - s1artibartfast 5y ago
    >why would I, the captain of a Mexican ship, pay taxes to Coffee Caye? Like any country, You wouldn't unless they have a gunboats to stop you. Hell, most countries around the world can't keep Chinese fleets from exploiting their EEZ. I'm saying that coffee Caye could make its money by signing citizenship papers and renting some yacht slips and moorings. You don't need a navy or recognition to do that. S If someone doesn't pay taxes, you don't renew citizenship. Someone doesn't pay dock fees, you cut their power. You don't need UN recognition to turn off someone's power, and the UN isn't going to send peacekeepers to prevent eviction.

by ethbr0 5y ago

s1artibartfast 5y ago

I still don't see how international recognition impacts any of this. For example, the tax status of someone in Hawaii doesn't depend on what the UN or China says about it. It only depends the ability to enforce the taxes locally. As I understand it, the most likely economic purpose of this island would be a tax haven. This only depends on people using the haven willing to pay for it, and Belize agreeing that they will not try to tax it.

ethbr0 5y ago
> Coastline could be the answer to all of those. Ships are housing and have their own self-contained infrastructure. Fishing and transport are a few major economic activities of significant value. You're going to be hard pressed to construct an economy around any of those without an international agreement defining you as the sovereign entity. Otherwise, why would I, the captain of a Mexican ship, pay taxes to Coffee Caye? Because Belize tells me to? Well, then we've just found out who has sovereignty.
- s1artibartfast 5y ago
  >why would I, the captain of a Mexican ship, pay taxes to Coffee Caye? Like any country, You wouldn't unless they have a gunboats to stop you. Hell, most countries around the world can't keep Chinese fleets from exploiting their EEZ. I'm saying that coffee Caye could make its money by signing citizenship papers and renting some yacht slips and moorings. You don't need a navy or recognition to do that. S If someone doesn't pay taxes, you don't renew citizenship. Someone doesn't pay dock fees, you cut their power. You don't need UN recognition to turn off someone's power, and the UN isn't going to send peacekeepers to prevent eviction.