THE MYTH OF SELF-DETERMINATION: HOW INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS DECIDE THE FATES OF SMALL NATIONS; CASE STUDIES FROM CENTRAL EUROPE

Abstract

The number of stateless ethno-national groups exceeds the number of groups that exercise sovereignty over the lands in which they live. The purpose of this thesis is to determine what makes one group more likely than another to attain statehood. The study begins with a review of literature that focuses on nationalism. From this literature review are derived three hypotheses as to how groups gain independence. Using comparative case studies from Central Europe, these hypotheses are tested against available evidence. The findings of these case studies suggest that certain institutional arrangements -namely, territorial autonomy within a federal system--allow independence movements to succeed. In light of the conclusions reached, this project ends with recommendations for future studies.