The United Nations – Friend or Foe of Self Determination?

About the Book

The United Nations: Friend or Foe of Self-Determination? is a critical edited collection that appraises the UN’s complex relationship with the principle of self-determination. Edited by Jakob R. Avgustin, this volume moves beyond theoretical debates to offer a practical analysis of how the UN navigates the inherent conflict between a people’s right to self-determination and the sanctity of state sovereignty. The text provides a rigorous yet accessible resource for students and scholars of international relations.

Readers will find a detailed examination of the legal and political frameworks that govern modern sovereignty disputes. The book challenges the rigid state-centric system, arguing that solving modern conflicts requires a paradigm shift. It serves as an essential reference for understanding the geopolitical realities of decolonization and indigenous rights.

Key Themes & Topics Covered

• Global Case Studies: Features in-depth analysis of diverse cases, including post-statehood in South Sudan and East Timor, Palestinian and Sahrawi resistance, and the geopolitics of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Indigenous Rights: Explores the UN’s evolving role as both a hindrance and a help to Indigenous peoples seeking self-governance.
• Beyond State-Centrism: Argues that solving modern conflicts requires a paradigm shift away from the rigid state-centric system of the UN.
• Legal Framework Analysis: Examines the application of Articles 1 and 55 of the UN Charter and the 1960 Declaration on Decolonization.
• Alternative Approaches: Addresses hybrid self-determination in post-conflict states and the unique challenges faced by micro-states.

Who Should Read This?

This volume is ideal for international relations students, legal scholars, and political analysts seeking to understand the nuances of global governance. It is also valuable for anyone interested in the geopolitics of conflict resolution and human rights.

Add this volume to your collection to gain a deeper understanding of global governance.