HISTORICAL RETROSPECTIVE OF THE FORMATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF AUTONOMY AND SELF-DETERMINATION OF PEOPLES

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of the concept of the right of nations to self-determination from the ideas of the Enlightenment to the modern enshrinement in international law. It traces the genesis of the ideas of popular sovereignty and natural human rights in such thinkers as Locke, Grotius, Vattel and Rousseau. The key stages of formation of the institution of national autonomy are analyzed: national liberation movements of the XVIII-XIX centuries, the activities of the League of Nations, the formation of the system of minority protection within the UN. Particular attention is paid to international documents that enshrined the right to self-determination - the UN Charter, Declarations, Covenants on Human Rights. Controversial issues of correlation of this principle with the territorial integrity of states are considered. It substantiates the relevance of finding compromise solutions to ensure stability in the realization of the right to self-determination through various forms of autonomy and the formation of new states. Keywords: autonomy, sovereignty, self-determination of peoples, rights of national minorities. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59295/sum3(173)2024_19