Publication

This paper examines the principle of self-determination as well as its relation with democracy and democracy promotion. Collective self-determination is a main element of democracy and therefore democracy promotion. However, this idea, that a political community should have self-determination, also clashes with democracy promotion’s aim to externally influence a country. In light of this problem, the author reviews the literature on the topic to examine the different conceptions of self-determination. He also looks at the part self-determination plays in the debate over democracy promotion and the implications for democracy promotion if it is understood as the promotion of democratic self-determination.