ABSTRACT
Self-determination is the right of all peoples to govern themselves. By way of initial and prescriptive generalisation, the external dimension defines the status of a people in relation to another people, State or empire, whereas the democratic or internal dimension should concern the relationship between a people and ‘its own’ State or government. Those who expound democratic self-determination describe it as a challenge to governments that oppress their peoples. External self-determination may best express a discontinuous aspect, called up to define new externalities, new identities, in convulsive times, but also continuous defence against external intervention. Internal selfdetermination would translate the achievement of freedom by a people into authentic self-rule.
