Autonomy, Sovereignty, and Self-Determination

"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