ABSTRACT
What makes the right of self-determination such a difficult topic at this stage is that its exercise involves a clash of fundamental world order principles. On the one side is the basic geopolitical norm that the existing array of states is close to the maximum that can be accommodated within accepted diplomatic frameworks. Any significant further fragmentation of existing states is widely seen as producing an unwieldy and inefficient world order compared with present arrangements for global and regional governance. There is also the fear that nurturing the dream of statehood for the several thousand distinct peoples in the world will provide ample fuel for strife.
