Selfdetermination in the Post-Soviet Era: A Case Study of Tibet

In: International studies: journal of the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Band 34, Heft 3, S. 237-268

Abstract

Explores Tibetan demands for self-determination in the context of the Soviet Union's collapse & the independence of formerly subjugated nations. The Chinese Communist Party originally identified with V. I. Lenin's definition of self-determination as freedom from European colonialism. Under the rule of Mao Tse-tung, the promise of the right to self-determination made to the Mongolian, Tibetan, & Uighur peoples was replaced by the intent to form a multinational unitary state in which minorities were liberated from both the oppression of foreign imperialism & domestic reaction. This mixture of Marxist paternalism & Chinese nationalism has been negated by the resurgence of traditional culture in the newly independent nations of the former Soviet bloc, as well as post-Maoist developments in China. The Tibetan fulfillment of the prerequisites for self-determination as defined by the UN is discussed, along with the role of the Dalai Lama. It is argued that Chinese interests would not be eroded by self-determination in Tibet. 3 Tables, 1 Appendix. J. Lindroth