The right of self-determination : the case of Northern Ireland

Abstract

The conceptual context of the right of self-determination has been determined by a combination of ideological and historical developments and its examination presupposes philosophical, historical, political and legal research in order to explain its compound nature. As a principle, it has raised the national aspirations of peoples to pursue their independence and has resulted in conflicts and territorial changes. In view of that, international law, in an effort to maintain peace and security within and between states has placed the right of self-determination within the context of general human rights law, so to apply to all peoples and not only to specific groups. As most principles, self-determination has passed through a very long process in order to find a solid ground to be based upon but so far, although greatly developed, still appears to have weaknesses when applies. Ireland is a country of a continuous struggle, which began as a fight for independence and thereafter it transformed to an internal conflict. The right of self-determination is one of the main driving forces behind the dispute and therefore, its resolution. A combination of theory and practice mean to give a concrete idea about how the right of self-determination is perceived and exercised.