ABSTRACT
Many nations have a highly developed sense of grievance, rooted in ancient histories and past hurts, to ongoing abuse that borders on genocide. National self-determination represents an escape from these miseries. States too are fearful, but their concerns lie with maintaining their sovereignty and the need for order, which is the primary goal of the states system. Nations claiming self-determination challenge sovereignty and order, and are accordingly to be resisted. A nation's suffering may be acknowledged, the international community may intervene and statehood may be granted, but this fairy-tale ending is rare in the real world. Unhappy nations would be ill advised to trust in outside assistance for the relief of their troubles. Exit is rarely easy, and voice may be difficult, which leaves the nation with loyalty. However, noisy loyalty may mask vested interests and silence may mask disloyalty. Nations may still claim self-determination even where they enjoy the security and autonomy that rights observance promotes.
