Ethnic Identity, Self-Determination, and Human Rights: Majoritan Democracy Re-examined

Abstract

The non-recognition of the rights of ethnic groups to self-determination under international law and by the UN stems from the apprehension of states and governments that if minority peoples hold such a right, existing states might break up trough secession, irredentism, or political independence. Undeniably, the states consider their interest far more important at the present time than any human right.