Calls for Action
International diplomats and government leaders should advocate for the establishment of clear procedures within international organizations, like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. These procedures would allow for peaceful expression of self-determination and create mechanisms to monitor and hold accountable parties involved in self-determination processes.
See Appendix I - In the face of rising regional autonomy movements, what role does diplomacy play in facilitating peaceful dialogue and negotiations between central governments and regions seeking greater independence?
International organisations should reward nonviolent approaches to self-determination, while deprecating violent means, both from states and self-determination movements, such as through through electoral processes and nonviolent resistance.
See Appendix I - How can international actors and organisations contribute to conflict resolution and the peaceful resolution of disputes?
Political leaders and governments should advocate for engagement and collaboration with regional organizations and bodies to address self-determination issues within specific geographical contexts, taking into account regional dynamics and historical backgrounds.
See Appendix I - In the face of rising regional autonomy movements, what role does diplomacy play in facilitating peaceful dialogue and negotiations between central governments and regions seeking greater independence?
Democratic governments should recognise and support legitimate claims for self-determination through established legal and diplomatic channels, even if they challenge the existing status quo, ensuring accessibility and fairness for all aspiring nations.
See Appendix I - In case of initiating a new independent state: which rights must be ensured for the minority that wishes to keep the original citizenship and rights?
Local governments and NGOs should collaborate to transition towards independence for countries that have voted in favour of secession, providing aid, expertise, and guidance where necessary.
See Appendix I - How can international actors and organisations contribute to conflict resolution and the peaceful resolution of disputes?
Main Outcomes
The establishment of clear and standardised procedures within international organisations, such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, would create a more structured and transparent process for addressing self-determination claims. This framework would include mechanisms to monitor and hold accountable all parties involved, ensuring adherence to international norms and standards.
By prioritising and rewarding nonviolent approaches and upholding democratic principles, the international community would encourage peaceful and democratic expressions of self-determination. This would lead to a reduction in conflict and violence associated with independence movements, as both states and self-determination groups would be incentivized to pursue their goals through the ballot box and nonviolent resistance.
The international community's recognition and support of legitimate self-determination claims would ensure that these movements are given fair consideration, even if they challenge the existing status quo. Additionally, providing international assistance in the transition to independence would help newly independent countries achieve stability and integration into the global community, promoting a smoother and more peaceful process of nation-building.
Panel Discussion Summary
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh OBE moderated a panel discussion on the borderline between legitimate self-determination and separatism, introducing notable participants such as former Macedonian President George Ivanov and former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. Ahmed-Sheikh highlighted the complexity and emotional sensitivity of self-determination issues. She emphasised the relevance of United Nations reforms to address current global challenges and the influx of new independent states.
Gjorge Ivanov discussed the proliferation of independent states in the 20th and 21st centuries, noting the increase from 62 to 196 states, with East Timor being the first new state of the 21st century. He highlighted the ongoing and potential future demands for statehood, driven by ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups seeking self-determination. Ivanov underscored the complexity of self-determination, noting its basis in international law and its challenges, including the lack of a clear definition of a "nation." He stressed the importance of internal sovereignty and self-sufficiency for groups pursuing independence. Ivanov used historical and contemporary examples, such as East Timor, Kosovo, and Catalonia, to illustrate the varied and often contentious nature of these movements. He concluded by emphasizing the delicate balance between self-determination and territorial integrity, warning that incomplete attempts at secession can lead to severe consequences for those involved.
Alex Salmond emphasized the importance of recognizing and facilitating self-determination through peaceful and democratic means. He pointed out that self-determination is a deeply embedded principle in international law, supported by UN resolutions and evolving towards being more permissive. Salmond highlighted the need for clear criteria to judge if a people qualify as a national entity, such as having distinct geographical boundaries, institutional identities, and a strong sense of national identity. He advocated for giving high marks to movements pursuing self-determination through the ballot box or peaceful resistance, citing Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent struggle as a powerful example. Salmond criticized the international community's tendency to respond only to violent movements and called for a more principled approach that rewards peaceful efforts. He also discussed Scotland's peaceful pursuit of independence and urged international bodies to establish procedures that support nonviolent self-determination claims, ensuring respect for democratic expressions of national identity.