The right of self-determination and informal imperialism

: giving substantive meaning to internal self-determination in the form of a right to democratic governance. A case-study on the Congo

Abstract

This thesis argues that we ought to give substantive meaning to the right of internal self-determination in the form of an international right to democratic governance. The application of the right of self-determination as a right to independence for colonised peoples, while putting an end to formal imperialism, has not been able to tackle the issue of informal imperialism which has impeded them from fully enjoying their right. The critical literature, Third World Approaches to International Law in particular, has pointed at the informal interferences of the West in the Third World. Using the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a case-study, I argue that this reasoning should be qualified since history has shown that the lack of self-determination in the Congo is the consequence of a multitude of issues, not just informal imperialism. What is recurrent is the fact that the Congolese people has been the victim of various internal and external oppressors. The occasional popular uprisings in the Congo have shown that empowering a people rather than concentrating on the oppressors, has been much more efficient to enhance the right of self-determination. We ought to bring peoples back at the centre of our reflexion when it comes to self-determination and consider the right to democratic governance as a substantive application of internal self-determination. In this regards, democratic governance ought to be defined not only as a set of procedural requirements such as free elections but also in terms of substantial requirements, as the need for strong institutions, non-corruption, and the respect of human rights. The right to democratic governance, giving substantive meaning to internal self-determination, should be interpreted along the lines of the Capabilities Approach as the latter puts peoples at the centre stage and concentrates on how to give them the opportunities to truly enjoy their rights.

Date of Award	3 Oct 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Lee McConnell (Supervisor) & Patrick Capps (Supervisor)