🔑Self-determination is one of the most powerful concepts in international politics.
🌍Self-determination does not mean an automatic right to independence.
🗽External self-determination applies to cases of colonialism or military occupation.
🏢Internal self-determination refers to a degree of autonomy within established states.
🧩The confusion between external and internal self-determination leads to misunderstandings about the concept.
What is self-determination?
—Self-determination is the right for a group of people to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.
Does self-determination always mean independence?
—No, self-determination can also refer to a degree of autonomy within existing states.
When does external self-determination apply?
—External self-determination applies to cases of colonialism or military occupation.
What is internal self-determination?
—Internal self-determination refers to the right of people to run their own affairs with a greater or lesser degree of autonomy within established states.
Why is there confusion about self-determination?
—The confusion arises from the misunderstanding and conflation of external and internal self-determination.
00:00Self-determination is one of the most misunderstood terms in international politics.
01:19Self-determination emerged as a powerful concept after the First World War.
03:45The United Nations enshrined the principle of self-determination in its charter.
04:46Self-determination can lead to independence or self-rule within states.
06:49The difference between external and internal self-determination caused confusion.
