Introduction

Abstract

Introduces a collection of essays devoted to addressing issues surrounding sovereignty & the right to secession, employing ten case studies that demonstrate some broad theoretical & normative problems. Contributions chart an alternative path of normative studies research centered on contextualizing the secession debate to transcend the two problems of compartmentalization & abstract deduction. Here, four themes are highlighted: (1) the legitimizing value of the principle of national self-determination & the circumstances in which a unilateral right to secession may be justified; (2) the meaning of "self" in defining this principle as explored in work on the ethnic & civic dimensions of state- & nation-building; (3) the sovereignty debate; & (4) relevance of just war theory to normative discussions on secession. Conditions under which unilateral secession is legitimate are examined. In addition, it is shown that a contextualized approach requires a more differentiated perspective to the concept of secession. Thus distinctions are made between secession, secessionist movement, & secessionist process. Attention turns to addressing problems emerging from the contextualization of the ideal-type distinction between a civic & ethnic conception of the state & the nation before considering how the question of sovereignty in a secessionist process & the issue of moral justification of wars of secession can be contextualized. J. Zendejas