Self-Determination and Humanitarian Secession in International Law of a Globalized World

Description

This book addresses questions in connection with the international legal regime on demands for secession, which have arisen in various States. More specifically, it examines the unilateral declarations of independence by Kosovo in 2008, and by Crimea and its subsequent annexation by the Russian Federation in 2014. The work investigates the two cases so as to shed light on the international legal regime affecting entities that are smaller than a sovereign State. It analyzes the relevant principles of international law, the intention being to determine their scope and review them in light of the most recent practice and developments in international law. In turn, the book examines and explains the events of relevance for international law that occurred in the changing situations in Kosovo and Crimea. On the basis of these legal considerations, it explores how the international community can respond when faced with situations that may violate international law, together with the effectiveness of various measures. It also discusses whether certain situations might be legitimate as a concept could now be emerging that secession may be justified in specific circumstances, such as serious and widespread violations of basic human rights. Front Matter ....Pages i-xxx Introduction (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 1-6 Front Matter ....Pages 7-7 The Recognition of the Right to Self-Determination in International Law (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 9-33 The Right to Self-Determination and Unilateral Secession (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 35-50 Front Matter ....Pages 51-51 Kosovo’s Long Road to Independence in 2008 (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 53-79 The Crimea’s Declaration of Independence and Annexation to Russia in 2014 (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 81-105 The Legality of the Secessions of Kosovo and Crimea (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 107-135 Front Matter ....Pages 137-137 The International Community Faced with Illegal Secessions by Sub-State Units (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 139-155 The Emergence of Humanitarian Secession as an International Response to Serious Violations of Human Rights (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 157-177 Conclusion (Juan Francisco Escudero Espinosa)....Pages 179-187 Back Matter ....Pages 189-204