The dispute over the Western Sahara between the Moroccan authorities and the Polisario Front (PF) is one of the most long-standing international disputes of modern times. While long ignored, recent litigation at the domestic and EU level has rendered increasingly acute the question as to whether - and under what circumstances - third States and foreign companies can entertain economic and trade relations with the region, given its status as a non-self-governing territory, whose right of self-determination continues to be denied by Morocco. The aim of this project is to use the Western Sahara dispute as a case study to engage in an in-depth analysis of international law’s implications for economic activities in occupied or annexed territories, or in other situations of contested statehood. In particular, the twofold aim is (1) to identify and clarify the existing international legal framework, as well as (2) to analyze how this legal framework is put into practice by the various actors involved, i.e., the State administering the area, third States, as well as foreign companies.While the Western Sahara case admittedly presents certain unique features, it is submitted that the envisaged case study has far broader appeal and that the lessons learned will be useful for a wide range of other situations. Thus, the project also has the potential of contributing to a more coherent policy of non-recognition at the EU level.