The right of peoples to self-determination (a case of Abkhazia)

There are two opposing trends in national self-determination: the separating, national liberation trend and the unifying, often imperial one. The right of peoples to self-determination is confronted with political and legal realities where territorial integrity is institutionalized. At the same time, self-proclamation is a logical process of world history and international law, as exemplified by the increased number of independent states. To preserve their cultural identity, peoples seek self-determination and state sovereignty. Their readiness to make sacrifices for this purpose causes many conflicts while the territory serves as the material basis for nation-state sovereignty. The study shows that the current standards of interstate relations are imperfect, and states use these standards for their own benefit when recognizing new states.