Encouraging national self-determination

Supporting national independence
Focusing on national self-determination
Emphasizing national self-determination

Description

Permitting the individual to participate in determining alliances and/or government, especially at the national level.

Context

Self-determination first evolved as a by-product of nationalism with the French and American revolutions. In World War I the Allies accepted self-determination as a peace aim. After World War II it became a chief goal of the United Nations.

Implementation

Self-determination requires that decisions be made with consideration of what is acceptable to the global community. Since its inception in 1945, the UN has played a pivotal role in bringing about independence in 80 countries that are now among its member states.

Claim

People will implement directions which they have participated in making or think they have participated in making.

Counter-claim

1. People must have experience and data in order to make informed decisions. 2. Self determination assumes the individual will act responsibly in relation to the whole. 3. Self determination assumes that the nation sufficient economic, political and cultural wherewithal to make responsible decisions, as well as a means of carrying them out.