The principle of self-determination was touted as a major facet of the Paris Peace Conference following WW1, but its application was anything but beneficial to the recipients of this lofty ideal. Instead of creating a more stable and peaceful world, it had the opposite effect of setting the stage for WW2 and its continuing aftereffects. One problem with this concept is that it often results in armed conflicts between previously united nationalities.
Taiwan-China and Ukraine-Russia are obvious examples of this problem. Without the intervention of other countries, these conflicts would resolve themselves in relatively short order. Instead, they have grown into international confrontations that threaten world peace. It seems to me that "separatist" movements need to stand on their own two feet and not rely on foreign assistance. Is this too much to expect of them?
Taiwan-China and Ukraine-Russia are obvious examples of this problem. Without the intervention of other countries, these conflicts would resolve themselves in relatively short order. Instead, they have grown into international confrontations that threaten world peace. It seems to me that "separatist" movements need to stand on their own two feet and not rely on foreign assistance. Is this too much to expect of them?
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