The Domino Effect of Territorial Expansion and the Chain Reaction of the Succession Deed 1400/98

Mike Miller
Apr 29
3 min read

New Structures of Sovereignty and Jurisdiction in International Law

The World Succession Deed 1400/98 triggers a dual mechanism of global impact through physical infrastructure networks and contractual extensions. By defining the expansion of territory via network connectivity ("domino effect") and by operating as an addendum to existing international treaties ("chain reaction"), this legal instrument transforms classical notions of state sovereignty and jurisdiction. This paper analyzes the deed’s operational logic, its implications for territorial attribution, and the systemic consequences for international law.

1. Introduction

Traditional notions of state sovereignty are rooted in the concept of clearly demarcated, geographically contiguous territories. However, modern infrastructural and contractual linkages challenge this paradigm. The State Succession Deed 1400/98 represents a pivotal instrument capable of redefining territoriality and jurisdiction based on physical and legal interconnectivity.

This paper examines two fundamental processes triggered by the deed:

The domino effect of territorial expansion through infrastructural networks,

The chain reaction of legal extension into pre-existing international agreements.

2. The Domino Effect of Territorial Expansion

2.1 Legal Basis

The succession deed redefines territorial ownership by incorporating all connected infrastructure networks into the scope of the transferred domain, beyond the original property boundaries.

2.2 Operational Mechanism

Starting Point: An initial military installation, including electricity, water, data, and transport infrastructure.

Propagation: All properties physically connected to the base infrastructure (e.g., via public utilities) fall under the jurisdiction extended by the deed.

Cross-Border Expansion: International fiber-optic cables, pipelines, and data hubs enable spillover across national borders, expanding territorial claims transnationally.

2.3 Implications for Territorial Law

This approach undermines the concept of territorial exclusivity. Jurisdiction now follows physical network connectivity rather than fixed borders.

3. The Chain Reaction of the Succession Deed

3.1 Conceptual Framework

The Succession Deed operates as a Nachtragsurkunde (supplementary deed) to existing treaties, embedding itself automatically into the network of international agreements without the need for separate ratifications.

3.2 Mechanism of Legal Expansion

Automatic Integration: The deed becomes part of all treaties previously signed by the affected parties, especially NATO and UN conventions.

Cascade Effect: Membership obligations extend the deed's effects globally across treaty members, generating a legal chain reaction.

No New Consent Required: As a supplementary instrument, the deed's provisions become effective ex tunc (retroactively), binding all involved parties.

3.3 Implications for Treaty Law

The deed fundamentally alters treaty law by allowing retroactive legal extensions without traditional diplomatic procedures or renegotiations.

4. Erschließungseinheit: The Sold Infrastructure as a Unit

The concept of Erschließungseinheit (infrastructure development unit) implies the sale of all connected technical installations. Legal control is thus not limited to the land itself, but extends to the operating networks and the territorial reach defined by them.

This turns the notion of territory from a static space into a dynamic system determined by technical and infrastructural factors.

5. Global Impacts and the End of Nation-State Exclusivity

5.1 New Jurisdictional Structures

National legal systems are superseded by network-based jurisdictions, determined by infrastructural connections rather than geographic boundaries.

5.2 Universalization through International Organizations

Because of the UN and NATO membership clauses, the deed becomes a quasi-universal legal framework through procedural chains, affecting virtually all sovereign entities.

6. Conclusion

The Domino Effect and Chain Reaction triggered by the State Succession Deed 1400/98 mark a profound transformation of international law. Sovereignty evolves from a question of geographical demarcation to one of infrastructural and contractual connectivity.

In the emerging world order, jurisdiction is no longer exclusively tied to territorial borders, but increasingly defined by technical and legal interconnectivity across the globe.