HISTORICAL PARALLELS: THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT/THE VENEZUELA-GUYANA CONTROVERSY /THE JAMAT AL MUSLIMEEN ATTEMPTED COUP IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO GOVERNMENT

Abstract

Parallel boundary disputes between states are a complex and sensitive topic. The disputes can arise due to various reasons such as historical, political, economic, or social factors and   can be resolved through diplomatic negotiations, legal proceedings, or other peaceful means. This paper looks at three disputes, two of which are currently ongoing (The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and The Venezuela-Guyana Controversy) and the other which took place in 1990 (The Jamat Al Muslimeen-attempted coup in Trinidad and Tobago).  In this case   the disputed land area was just about 15 acres of land on which the Jamat-al-Muslimeen (JAM) lived in a place just outside the capital city of Port of Spain known as Mucurapo.  The purpose of the paper is to identify similarities   and differences in all three conflicts and examine the success or otherwise of the existing boundary resolution mechanisms and its effects on the national security of the respective countries and their neighbours.

Data for this qualitative research was obtained  from both primary and secondary sources . In the cases of the Guyana-Venezuela dispute and the dispute in Trinidad and Tobago, the  primary data was  collected directly  through  interviews, observations , forum discussions. Secondary data  used for all three disputes  included government publications, websites, books, journal articles, and internal records.