Sjálfsforræði

Sjálfsforræði is an Icelandic term that translates to "self-determination" or "autonomy." It refers to the principle that a people or a nation has the right to govern itself and make its own decisions without external interference. This concept is deeply rooted in ideas of national sovereignty and the right of a group to control its own destiny.

In the context of international law and politics, sjálfsforræði is often discussed in relation to decolonization, minority rights, and the formation of new states. It asserts that a distinct group, whether defined by ethnicity, culture, or shared history, should have the freedom to choose its political status and pursue its economic, social, and cultural development.

The principle of sjálfsforræði can be applied at various levels. It can refer to the right of an entire nation to establish its own independent state, or to the right of a regional or ethnic group within an existing state to have a degree of self-governance. The extent and practical application of sjálfsforræði are often subjects of debate and can be complex, involving considerations of territorial integrity and the rights of other groups. Iceland itself, as an independent nation, embodies the principle of sjálfsforræði.