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 Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Commentary
Diwan
In the Trump Gaza Plan, Diplomatic Failure is Success
By failing to address Palestinian representation, the current process is bound to lead to just another temporary arrangement.
Nathan J. Brown
Commentary
Emissary
Bombing Campaigns Do Not Bring About Democracy. Nor Does Regime Change Without a Plan.
Just look at Iraq in 1991.
Marwan Muasher
Commentary
Diwan
Iran and the New Geopolitical Moment
A coalition of states is seeking to avert a U.S. attack, and Israel is in the forefront of their mind.
Michael Young
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
Baku Proceeds With Caution as Ethnic Azeris Join Protests in Neighboring Iran
Baku may allow radical nationalists to publicly discuss “reunification” with Azeri Iranians, but the president and key officials prefer not to comment publicly on the protests in Iran.
Bashir Kitachaev
Commentary
Diwan
Iran’s Woes Aren’t Only Domestic
The country’s leadership is increasingly uneasy about multiple challenges from the Levant to the South Caucasus.
Armenak Tokmajyan

More Work from Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Commentary

Diwan

In the Trump Gaza Plan, Diplomatic Failure is Success

By failing to address Palestinian representation, the current process is bound to lead to just another temporary arrangement.

Nathan J. Brown

people watching smoke rising at sunrise from rooftops

Commentary

Emissary

Bombing Campaigns Do Not Bring About Democracy. Nor Does Regime Change Without a Plan.

Just look at Iraq in 1991.

Marwan Muasher

Commentary

Diwan

Iran and the New Geopolitical Moment

A coalition of states is seeking to avert a U.S. attack, and Israel is in the forefront of their mind.

Michael Young

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

Baku Proceeds With Caution as Ethnic Azeris Join Protests in Neighboring Iran

Baku may allow radical nationalists to publicly discuss “reunification” with Azeri Iranians, but the president and key officials prefer not to comment publicly on the protests in Iran.

Bashir Kitachaev

Commentary

Diwan

Iran’s Woes Aren’t Only Domestic

The country’s leadership is increasingly uneasy about multiple challenges from the Levant to the South Caucasus.

Armenak Tokmajyan