Description
Book SynopsisDemands for autonomy or minority rights have given rise to conflicts, often violent, in every region of the world and under every political system. Through an analysis of contemporary international legal norms and an examination of several specific case studies-including Hong Kong, India, the transnational problems of the Kurds and Saamis, Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the Sudan-this book identifies a framework in which ethnic, religious, and regional conflicts can be addressed.
Trade Review"With the end of the Cold War, ethnic conflict appears to be reemerging as subnational groups fight to be heard and represented. Hence the value of this well-researched volume. Focusing on individuals and groups rather than states, the author searches for means of accommodating conflicting claims. Government legitimacy is seen as resting on more than simple majority rule, on respect for human rights and the effective participation of all the various segments of society in the decision-making process." *
Foreign Affairs *
"A very useful, comprehensive, and important contribution to the study of international relations, international law, and comparative politics. . . . Impressive." *
Choice *
"A right of autonomy within international law might help resolve intrastate conflicts between ethnic groups before they escalate into civil war and demands for secession. So Hurst Hannum argues in this excellent book. . . . These are important suggestions about how to use a flexible approach to sovereignty and the right to ethnic self-determination to create a just and ordered multination-state system." *
Political Science Quarterly *
"This valuable volume chronicles the issues that arise from disputes over minority rights when the state is seen to represent majority groups better. . . . Must reading for scholars interested in the legal dimension of minority conflicts with the state. It should also be required reading for the leadership of nations currently confronting such issues or international actors who could be helpful in resolving them." *
American Political Science Review *
"A remarkable treatise." *
American Journal of International Law *
"Hannum has long combined scholarship with involvement in the making of practical policy. The present work displays this most useful combination of perspectives." *
Journal of Asian and African Affairs *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
1. Introduction 3
2. Sovereignty, Statehood, and Nationalism 14
3. Self-Determination 27
4. The Rights of Minorities 50
5. Indigenous Rights 74
6. Human Rights 104
7. Hong Kong 129
8. India and the Punjab 151
9. The Kurds 178
10. The Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua 203
11. Northern Ireland 226
12. The Saami (Lapp) People of Norway, Sweden, and Finland 247
13. Spain—The Basque Country and Catalonia 263
14. Sri Lanka 280
15. Sudan 308
16. Federal or Quasi-Federal Structures 337
—Eritrea (1952-1962)
—Greenland
—Netherlands Antilles
—Switzerland (1848-1874)
—Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
17. Territories of International Concern 370
—Aland Islands
—Free City of Danzig
—Memel Territory
—New Zealand—The Associate States of the Cook Islands and Niue and the Territory of Tokelau
—The Saar (1920-1935)
—The Saar (1945-1955)
—Free Territory of Trieste
18. Other Situations of Interest 407
—Belgium
—Indian Peoples in Brazil
—China
—Fiji
—Italy—the South Tyrol
—Malaysia
19. Conclusion 453
Recent Developments 479
Postscript 495
Selected Bibliography 509
Index 515
