Internal Self-Determination in International Law

Internal self-determination is an under-explored topic in international law. It is popularly understood to be a principle of relatively recent origin promoting democratic freedoms to populations and autonomy for minority groups within states. It has also been viewed as a principle receiving the support of Western states in particular. In this first book-length critical study of the topic the reader is invited to rethink the history theory and practice of internal self-determination in a complex world. Kalana Senaratne shows that it is a principle of great but varied potential. Internal self-determination promises democratic freedoms and autonomy to peoples; but it also represents an idea which is not historically new and is ultimately a principle which can be promoted for different and conflicting purposes. Written in a clear and accessible style this book will be of interest to international lawyers state-officials minority groups and students of law and politics.