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Is Self-Determination a Dangerous Illusion?

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
David Miller addresses the contemporary debates around self-determination, examining its value and feasibility in the 21st century. He argues that mere geographic proximity is insufficient for self-determination; instead, group members must share a strong sense of identity. The book discusses various political forms self-determination can take and proposes realistic limits on its implementation. Miller ultimately defends the importance and possibility of collective agency in political contexts.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in political philosophy, nationalism and contemporary global politics, especially those engaged by secessionist and nationalist movements.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Claims to self-determination are rife in world politics today. They range from Scottish and Catalonian campaigns for independence to calls for the devolution of power to regions and cities. But is self-determination meaningful or desirable in the twenty-first century, or merely a dangerous illusion?

In Is Self-Determination a Dangerous Illusion?, David Miller mounts a powerful defence of political self-determination. He explains why it is valuable and argues that geographic proximity alone is not enough for groups to have the capacity for self-determination: group members must also identify with each other. He explores the different political forms that self-determination can take, and suggests some realistic constraints on how it can be achieved, concluding that people exercising their collective agency is still both feasible and important.

Anyone concerned by the theoretical issues raised by the various secessionist and nationalist movements around the world should read this book.

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  • Is Self-Determination a Dangerous Illusion?
    Claims to self-determination are rife in world politics today. They range from Scottish and Catalonian campaigns for independence to calls for the devolution of power to regions and cities. But is self-determination meaningful or desirable in the twenty-first century, or merely a dangerous illusion? In Is Self-Determination a Dangerous Illusion?, David Miller mounts a powerful defence of political self-determination. He...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

β€œThis lucid and accessible book by one of the world's leading political philosophers defends the contemporary relevance of self-determination. A first-class read that masterfully engages its critics.” – Anna Stilz, Princeton University

β€œDavid Miller explores self-determination’s connection to democracy, peoplehood and decolonization, providing a philosophically nuanced and morally compelling defence from which critics will learn much.” – Lea Ypi, London School of Economics

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509533473

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 November 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 122.0mm

Height: 185.0mm

Weight: 159g

Pages: 140

About the Author

David Miller is Professor of Political Theory and Senior Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford.

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