Tom W. Bell (Chapman University, The Dale E. Fowler School of Law) has posted Special International Zones in Practice and Theory (Chapman Law Review, Vol. 21, 2018) on SSRN. Here is the abstract:
Summarizing the examples to follow, this article defines as an SIZ: An area that its host nation state places outside of its territory for the purpose of some local laws, leaving other such laws and applicable international obligations in force.
Special international zones already exist in great number and variety. They continue to spread, grow, and adapt. What does the future hold for SIZs? Perhaps more of the same-but worse. A country could take France's example too far, for instance, creating special border areas and floating personal temporary microzones that together have the practical effect of keeping entire regions and populations outside the country's national territory in terms of legal rights and privileges, while putting them firmly inside the territory in terms of police powers.
Or SIZs might evolve in a more benign direction, creating refugee cities for homeless populations, "deep blue" zones for seasteads, or special international residency and work ("SIRW") zones for digital nomads. All these and other options become possible once the general concept of a SIZ-a designated area outside the reach of some local laws but still subject to international obligations-has been defined, illustrated, and explained. If that appeals, read on.
Recommended.