The Principle of Self-Determination as a Spur to Nationalism
The Principle of Self-Determination as a Spur to Nationalism

Summary/Abstract: Critics of the concept of self-determination argue that it gives certain groups the right to become nations and establish national states – which fosters nationalism; and they argue that nationalism is anti progressive, aggressive, oppressive and war-prone, and that it should be wholly suppressed for the progress of civilization. This contrasts with the fact that the ideal of nationhood and the claim to national identity – springing from Western political ideas – are spreading all over the world. Liberation of the Third World is inevitably being realized through the creation of national states; but in some parts of the world it is evident that the problems and territorial conflicts of emerging nations will remain in dispute, and steps to prevent this, in whatever degree, call for means that are fundamentally opposed to the concept of freedom.

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