Self-determination
Definition
Self-determination is the principle that nations have the right to freely choose their sovereignty and international political status with no external compulsion or interference.
Analogy
Think of self-determination like choosing your own career path. No one else should dictate what you want to be; it's your choice based on your interests, skills, and passions. Similarly, a nation has the right to decide its own path without outside influence.
Related terms
Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state. It's like being the boss of your own company - you make all the decisions.
Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, or allegiance to a nation or nation-state. It's like being a die-hard fan of a sports team and supporting them through thick and thin.
Autonomy: The right or condition of self-government. This is similar to when teenagers gain more independence from their parents as they grow older.
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