self-determination
self-dih-tur-min-AY-shun
/ˌself.dɪˌtɜː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
The process by which a group of people form their own state and choose their own government and political status.
A core principle of modern international law guaranteeing peoples the right to decide their destiny free from external coercion.
The story behind the word. Coined in English in the 17th century for individual free will, the term was elevated to international law by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 to advocate for post-war national independence movements.
Word relationships
- autonomy: 'Autonomy' is self-rule within existing state boundaries, whereas 'self-determination' includes the choice to form an independent nation.
- sovereignty: 'Sovereignty' is the political power itself, while 'self-determination' is the legal process and right to choose that political status.
- subjection: Being controlled by external foreign rule.
- colonialism: Control of a land and its people by a foreign power.
Commonly confused with
- self-reliance: 'Self-reliance' means relying on one's own capabilities, whereas 'self-determination' is a collective legal and political right.
Word family
- self-determine (verb): To decide one's own political destiny
- self-determined (adjective): Determined by oneself or one's group
Collocations
- right to self-determination
- national self-determination
- assert self-determination
- principle of self-determination
Example sentences
- "The UN Charter explicitly guarantees the fundamental right of self-determination to all nations." International law
- "Indigenous movements around the world continue to campaign for true political self-determination." Human rights advocacy
Memory hook
SELF-DETERMINATION = SELF deciding its own TERMINUS (boundaries and destiny). Deciding your own destiny.
When not to use
Do not use for routine personal choices when standard terms like 'willpower' apply.
Fun facts
- Woodrow Wilson made 'national self-determination' a central pillar of his famous Fourteen Points address after World War I.
Related words
Explore more words
sovereignty, self-governing, autonomous, autonomy, plebiscite, sovereign
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