Self-Determination in the New World Order

Halperin, Morton; Scheffer, David; Small, Patricia; David J.
Small, Patricia L., Scheffer

Book

Self-Determination in the New World Order

Experts examine the dynamic self-determination movements that are erupting across the globe, analyze U.S. policy toward them, and propose criteria for decision makers who are weighing whether to support groups seeking self-determination.

By Morton H. Halperin, David J. Scheffer, Patricia L. Small, Scheffer David J. Small, Patricia L.

Published on Jan 1, 1992

Source: Washington

In the aftermath of the breakup of the Soviet empire, new nations are emerging rapidly, and more and more ethnic groups are pushing for independence or autonomy. But there has been relatively little public debate about how the United States should respond. To encourage such debate, Halperin and Scheffer examine the dynamic self-determination movements that are erupting across the globe and analyze U.S. policy toward them. In particular, the authors take a look at what international law says about intervention by the United States or other nations to support or oppose such movements. They also consider under what conditions such moves might be wise. They propose criteria for decision makers who are weighing whether to support groups seeking self-determination, to offer political recognition, or to intervene with force.

Advance Praise

“…[T]he book succeeds in challenging traditional thinking and the West's conservative attitudes towards self-determination.”
—Kamal S. Shehadi, International Institute for Strategic Studies

“Clear, insightful analysis underpins the new ideas in this volume, some of which are already entering international discussions but are nowhere brought together so well.”
—Andrew J. Pierre, Foreign Affairs

About the Authors

Morton H. Halperin

David J. Scheffer

Patricia L. Small

Scheffer David J. Small, Patricia L.

Foreign Policy

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie Europe

Commentary
The Denmark-Greenland-U.S. Agreement Needs to Stand the Test of Time
The new U.S.–Denmark–Greenland agreement will help Washington exert political, economic, and financial dominance under the guise of security. Yet, it acknowledged Copenhagen’s and Nuuk’s sovereignty on the island.
Marc Pierini
Commentary
Strategic Europe
A Black Sea Truce Is About Global Food Security, Too
A summer of escalation in the Black Sea has hurt Ukraine economically and is exacerbating world food security. A truce is needed—as is a broader reframing of Europe’s Ukraine strategy.
Thomas de Waal
Commentary
Strategic Europe
Taking the Pulse: Does the EU Have a Germany Problem?
Are Germany’s economic, industrial, and political struggles becoming a liability for the EU’s ability to rise to the geopolitical moment?
Rym Momtaz, ed.
Commentary
Strategic Europe
The Speech Ursula von der Leyen Can’t Deliver
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is about to give her annual address on the state of the EU. Here’s what she won’t—but should—say.
Rym Momtaz
Commentary
Strategic Europe
Europe Fails to Learn the Lessons from Ceuta
The aftermath of the Ceuta crisis shows Europe has drawn the wrong lessons. Rather than doubling down on failed migration policies, the EU needs to address the underlying roots of such episodes.
Richard Youngs

More Work from Carnegie Europe

Greenland United States Denmark Agreement Nuuk

Commentary

The Denmark-Greenland-U.S. Agreement Needs to Stand the Test of Time

The new U.S.–Denmark–Greenland agreement will help Washington exert political, economic, and financial dominance under the guise of security. Yet, it acknowledged Copenhagen’s and Nuuk’s sovereignty on the island.

Marc Pierini

Commentary

Strategic Europe

A Black Sea Truce Is About Global Food Security, Too

A summer of escalation in the Black Sea has hurt Ukraine economically and is exacerbating world food security. A truce is needed—as is a broader reframing of Europe’s Ukraine strategy.

Thomas de Waal

Commentary

Strategic Europe

Taking the Pulse: Does the EU Have a Germany Problem?

Are Germany’s economic, industrial, and political struggles becoming a liability for the EU’s ability to rise to the geopolitical moment?

Rym Momtaz, ed.

Commentary

Strategic Europe

The Speech Ursula von der Leyen Can’t Deliver

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is about to give her annual address on the state of the EU. Here’s what she won’t—but should—say.

Rym Momtaz

Commentary

Strategic Europe

Europe Fails to Learn the Lessons from Ceuta

The aftermath of the Ceuta crisis shows Europe has drawn the wrong lessons. Rather than doubling down on failed migration policies, the EU needs to address the underlying roots of such episodes.

Richard Youngs