Self-determination under International law: An

analysis of ICJ Advisory Opinion on Kosovo

The relevance and significance of my proposed research is twofold.
I have discussed below each point briefly.

Firstly, In both concept and practice, self-determination is an

inherently unstable principle.

Secondly, this is unsettled academic topic, but this is not enough

reason to propose this research. Its contemporariness is equally
important reason to propose this research
The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the impact of
territorial integrity on self-determination and examine
the issue of self-determination through a rigorous
examination of the jurisprudence of ICJ.
Research questions

1. Can violation of civil, political and economics right of people be a

ground for exercising the right of self-determination.

2. Whether Kosovo declaration could be considered as precedent under

international.

3. Is the parent states approval an essential component for the coming

into existence of a new state
 Research methodology

• The study will be doctrinal in nature, and will make use of both primary and
secondary sources available on the topic. The study would include primary
sources such as international conventions, Security Council and General
Assembly resolution etc. It would also involve detailed study of secondary
sources such as, edited books, and journal articles, cases.
 Tentative Chapters/ Sequence of discussions

• This dissertation will comprise of five chapters including introduction and

conclusion. The first chapter will be introductory in nature focusing on the
relevance and importance of the topic, the review of literature available on the
subject and the methodology used in the thesis.

• The second chapter will briefly define the various terminology used in this
dissertation. This chapter will endeavour to confine the scope and boundaries
of the relevant terms under international law. The same term may have
different meaning in different regime therefore, this chapter will briefly define
crucial terms as understood under international law.
 Tentative Chapters/ Sequence of discussions
• The third chapter will focus on ICJ cases related to self-determination. The author
will specifically look when right of self-determination can be exercised, under
which condition internal and external self-determination can be exercised. The
author will further elaborate on conceptual understanding of these two terms
internal self –determination and external self-determination

• The fourth chapter will focus on the case study of secession of Kosovo under
international law. It will further enquire about the future prospect and consequences
of Kosovo declaration

• . The last chapter will conclude the study.