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 Russia Eurasia Center

Commentary
Carnegie Politika
Will the Far Right Change Europe’s Russia Policy?
The European far right might fail to steer EU policy in the direction Russia wants, but they will create enough chaos inside Europe to benefit the Kremlin.
Dimitar Bechev
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
Have U.S.-Belarusian Negotiations Stalled?
Minsk clearly expected the dialogue with Washington to yield more results, in particular the lifting of EU sanctions and permission to export potash.
Artyom Shraibman
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
As It Turns 25, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Reflects the New World Order
With the growth in points of friction between the great powers, organizations like the SCO will continue to play a role in the strategic adaptation of the smaller powers caught between them.
Temur Umarov
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
Russia Is Exporting Its Fuel Crisis to Central Asia
When faced with fuel shortages in the past, Central Asian governments could always count on additional supplies from Moscow. That safety net no longer exists.
Galiya Ibragimova
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
Parliamentary Elections in Occupied Ukraine Risk Backfiring for the Kremlin
Despite unhappiness on the ground, Moscow is determined to use both carrot and stick to ensure there is record support for United Russia in occupied Ukraine.
Konstantin Skorkin

More Work from Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

Will the Far Right Change Europe’s Russia Policy?

The European far right might fail to steer EU policy in the direction Russia wants, but they will create enough chaos inside Europe to benefit the Kremlin.

Dimitar Bechev

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

Have U.S.-Belarusian Negotiations Stalled?

Minsk clearly expected the dialogue with Washington to yield more results, in particular the lifting of EU sanctions and permission to export potash.

Artyom Shraibman

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

As It Turns 25, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Reflects the New World Order

With the growth in points of friction between the great powers, organizations like the SCO will continue to play a role in the strategic adaptation of the smaller powers caught between them.

Temur Umarov

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

Russia Is Exporting Its Fuel Crisis to Central Asia

When faced with fuel shortages in the past, Central Asian governments could always count on additional supplies from Moscow. That safety net no longer exists.

Galiya Ibragimova

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

Parliamentary Elections in Occupied Ukraine Risk Backfiring for the Kremlin

Despite unhappiness on the ground, Moscow is determined to use both carrot and stick to ensure there is record support for United Russia in occupied Ukraine.

Konstantin Skorkin