self-determination
self-dih-ter-mih-NAY-shun
/ˌself.dɪˌtɜː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
The principle or right of a distinct group of people to freely decide their own political status and national sovereignty.
Recognized in international law as a foundational right of peoples, though frequently in tension with existing states' territorial integrity.
The story behind the word. While concepts of national liberty existed earlier, President Woodrow Wilson championed 'national self-determination' globally during his Fourteen Points address in 1918, transforming it into a bedrock doctrine of post-WWI diplomacy and decolonization.
Word relationships
- self-rule: Self-rule refers to the practical act of governing oneself, whereas self-determination is the fundamental legal right to choose one's governing statehood.
- foreign domination: Rule imposed by an external power without consent.
- colonial rule: Subjugation of a territory by a foreign power.
Commonly confused with
- autonomy: Self-determination is the overarching right to choose status (which could mean full independence or autonomy); autonomy is a specific arrangement of internal self-governance.
Word family
- self-determining (adjective): Possessing the power to decide one's political future.
Collocations
- right to self-determination
- national self-determination
- struggle for self-determination
- exercise self-determination
Example sentences
- "All peoples have the right of self-determination; by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic development." International Law Charter (UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 1))
- "The dismantling of European empires across Africa and Asia was driven by powerful national movements demanding political self-determination." Post-Colonial History
Memory hook
SELF + DETERMINE = deciding your own national boundaries and future. Choosing your own status.
When not to use
Do not confuse with individual self-discipline or personal goal-setting; in political contexts, it refers to collective political self-rule.
Fun facts
- Chapter I, Article 1 of the UN Charter explicitly lists 'respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples' as a primary purpose of the United Nations.
Related words
Explore more words
sovereignty, self-governing, autonomous, autonomy, plebiscite, sovereign
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