10. The Self-Determination Doctrine
Popularized by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson after World War I, the Self-Determination Doctrine asserted that peoples have the right to choose their sovereignty and political status without external interference. This principle reshaped borders in Europe and inspired decolonization movements worldwide. However, its application was selective, often excluding colonies under European powers. The doctrine’s legacy is complex, having both facilitated the emergence of new nations and contributed to conflicts over national identity and borders. (pesd.princeton.edu)
