By Sir Mark Boleat
JERSEY people may disagree on many things, but there is one point of common ground: this Island is a very special place.
Shaped by centuries of history, Jersey has a global name recognition far beyond what its size would suggest.
Jersey shares some characteristics with many other islands around the world. There are thousands of islands, each with its own mix of geography, culture and political arrangements. Most are relatively poor, but a small number rank among the world’s wealthiest jurisdictions. Almost all of these successful islands share two features: a high degree of self-government and a constitutional relationship with a larger state. Their economies tend to rely on one or two key sectors such as tourism, defence, finance or gambling.
These common characteristics were explored last week at a high-level course held in Jersey, run by the Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies in partnership with universities and research centres in Malta and the UK. The sessions were led by three leading experts on island governance – Professors Godfrey Baldacchino, Peter Clegg and Caroline Morris.
Several clear themes emerged. Small island jurisdictions must deliver many of the same public services as large countries, but with far fewer resources. That alone creates constant pressure.
Another challenge is the importance of personal relationships. In small communities, people in senior positions often know each other well and may have done so for decades. This can make decision-making more flexible and responsive, but it can also blur boundaries in ways that larger states rarely experience.
Small size also brings vulnerability. History is full of examples of islands facing threats from larger neighbours. Jersey itself spent centuries under the shadow of potential invasion from France. The Falkland Islands were invaded by Argentina. Gibraltar has long faced hostility from Spain. More recently, Greenland – far larger than Jersey but with a population little more than half Jersey’s – has found itself the subject of attention from the United States in ways that would have seemed unthinkable only a few years ago.
While Jersey is unlikely to face such direct threats in the foreseeable future, recent minor disputes with France are a reminder that nothing can ever be taken entirely for granted.
In an unpredictable global climate, even economic or political pressure can be damaging. What, for example, would happen if the US president, with no justification, publicly criticised Jersey and discouraged American institutions from doing business with the Island?
One important insight from last week’s discussions was that sovereignty is not a simple on–off switch. There are many shades between full independence and complete dependence. US states, for example, enjoy significant autonomy, as do Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Conversely, some countries that are formally independent can, in practice, operate as vassal states – Belarus’s current relationship with Russia being a case in point.
The most economically successful small jurisdictions occupy an intermediate position. Their links with a larger “host” state provide security and support, while their autonomy allows them to develop policies that attract business and investment. It is telling that no small jurisdiction with this status is currently seeking full independence.
So how should small islands conduct themselves on the international stage?
Political power can be exercised in different ways: military force, legal mechanisms, economic or political pressure, and so-called soft power – relationship building, for example through culture and sport.
For small jurisdictions, only soft power is realistically available. Jersey, in this respect, performs well. Maintaining a strong relationship with the UK is essential, which means acting responsibly and being mindful of UK interests, particularly when promoting the
Island’s finance industry. Good relations with France – especially Normandy and Brittany – are also vital and generally well managed.
Relations with Guernsey have been strained recently, particularly over ferry services, but co-operation between the Channel Islands remains crucial, especially in international forums where they often work together effectively.
Jersey is also an active member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. While there is occasional criticism of States Members attending CPA events overseas, these visits play an important role in building relationships, sharing experience and ensuring Jersey remains visible and engaged internationally.
There is, however, room for improvement. Sport offers untapped potential. Jersey’s cricket team already competes internationally and could be used more strategically to build links with other jurisdictions.
The Island could also build on last week’s event by establishing itself as a centre for island studies, alongside places such as Malta and Prince Edward Island.
Jersey needs more higher education in the Island – both for those Jersey students for whom attending a UK university is not viable but also to develop centres of expertise that can attract people to the Island to study. The Island has the necessary building blocks to enable this to happen.
The foundations are already in place. The challenge now is to recognise Jersey’s unique position – and to use it wisely.
Sir Mark Boleat is senior adviser to the Policy Centre Jersey and has held a number of leadership roles in Jersey and the UK.
