Call to papers: The Falklands Islands – 40 Years after the War

Excerpt from Commonwealthroundtable.co.uk

As we build-up to the fortieth anniversary of the Falklands War, which took place between 2 April and 14 June 1982, it provides an opportune moment to reflect on the nature of the Falkland Islands at that time and the impact of the war, not just on the Falklands itself, but on the Commonwealth and the international community more generally. But of course that is only part of the story. It is important to recognise and evaluate the contemporary Falklands and its aspirations and challenges going forward. The special issue will offer a detailed and nuanced assessment of the modern Falklands and how it has been framed and its progress driven by the legacy of the war.

The ten-week war was precipitated by Argentina’s invasion of the Falklands and South Georgia, both British Overseas Territories. Soon after the British dispatched a naval task force to liberate them. At the war’s end 649 Argentines, 255 British, and three Falkland Islanders had died. The response of the international community was mixed, including in the Commonwealth, despite the strong support shown to the Falklands by Commonwealth Secretary-General Ramphal. In the immediate aftermath of the war the Falkland’s economic viability was in doubt, with sheep farming being the islands’ only industry. But, the creation of the Falklands Islands Development Corporation in 1984 and its plans for diversification and self-sufficiency were to be decisive in re-shaping the islands. Today, the Falklands is self-sufficient in all areas except defence and external affairs, and has several world-leading industries, including fisheries.